UPDATED: February 18 at 11:56 p.m.

The House has approved a Republican proposal to block federal aid for Planned Parenthood.

The 240-185 vote on Friday is a victory for anti-abortion forces led by Indiana GOP Rep. Mike Pence. He says taxpayer money should not go to groups that provide or promote abortion.

Pence is the main sponsor of the amendment, which prevents federal funding of Planned Parenthood’s national organization and 102 named affiliates.

“This afternoon’s vote is a victory for taxpayers and a victory for life. By banning federal funding to Planned Parenthood, Congress has taken a stand for millions of Americans who believe their tax dollars should not be used to subsidize the largest abortion provider in America,” he said after the vote. “I commend my colleagues in both parties for taking a stand for taxpayers and a stand for life. I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to support this legislation and end federal funding of Planned Parenthood once and for all.”

KHQA spoke with Cherry Klein of Planned Parenthood of Southeast Iowa.  They cover offices in Keokuk, Ft. Madison, Mt. Pleasant, Washington and Burlington and they serve over 6,000 patients in five health centers with the help of 33 employees.

They have been getting information out to their clients and supporters for weeks now about the pending legislation to cut Planned Parenthood funding.

Klein is very concerned, "This vote is an assault on women. 75% of Planned Parenthood clients are below the poverty level and this means that they are not going to receive the basic services that they need such as birth control and STD prevention."

She is concerned about the health ramifications and says, "This will not save money, it will cost money."

Klein suggests that you show your support by contacting your senators because this is not over. It will now be sent to the Senate for a vote.

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