Sununu: Why I Voted Against Planned Parenthood Contract

By Chris Sununu

On Wednesday, I cast the deciding vote on the Executive Council to oppose taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood in New Hampshire.

In the past, I supported funding for Planned Parenthood as a provider of reproductive health services in my district. However, investigations into potential criminal activity on both a federal and multi-state level have convinced me to withdraw that support.

Serious ethical and legal questions have been raised nationally about Planned Parenthood. New Hampshire would not even be considering approving such a contract if it were not for the political influence that Planned Parenthood has. There is precedent for rejecting state contracts when the applicant has been under investigation and surrounded by controversy, and given the sensitivity and seriousness of this issue, Planned Parenthood should be held to a similar standard of scrutiny.

The Executive Council has asked Gov. Hassan and her Attorney General Joseph Foster to formally investigate the matter to ensure no illegal activity has occurred. Yesterday, the governor refused that request once again confirming her need to place politics ahead of integrity and accountability in New Hampshire.

On Wednesday, I again called on Gov. Hassan to find alternatives to Planned Parenthood in parts of our state where there currently are none. New Hampshire should provide alternatives for women so they can make the best choice for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, the governor rejected my request to promote choice for women and their health care needs. I will continue working with the Commissioner of Health and Human Services to provide leadership and identify alternative health care providers.

Chris Sununu is the District 3 Executive Councilor. District 3 consists of the following cities and towns: Atkinson, Brentwood, Chester, Danville, Derry, East Kingston, Epping, Exeter, Fremont, Greenland, Hampstead, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Kensington, Kingston, New Castle, Newfields, Newington, Newmarket, Newton, North Hampton, Nottingham, Pelham, Plaistow, Portsmouth, Raymond, Rye, Salem, Sandown, Seabrook, South Hampton, Stratham, and Windham.