Gov. Chris Christie today vetoed a bill that would have expanded the Medicaid program to more women seeking family planning services, saying it would be "financially irresponsible'' to spend more on a program running a $1 billion deficit.
The veto sparked bitter remarks from female lawmakers and clinics operators who said the governor once again put his conservative ideology before women's health.
The bill would have funneled state and federal cash to Planned Parenthood, which again became the subject of popular outrage this week when a video surfaced of a New Jersey abortion clinic director offering enthusiastic advice to a duo she believed to be a pimp and prostitute seeking abortion and birth control for foreign, underage sex slaves. Christie's veto marks the second time he's used his gubernatorial power to deny funds to the nation's largest abortion provider, raising hackles from the Left and applause from pro-life groups:
New Jersey Right to Life issued the following statement today upon learning that NJ Governor
Christie vetoed the federal family planning waiver bill:
“We thank Governor Christie for vetoing this bill. A3273/S2393 would have forced taxpayers to support the activities and expansion of an organization that was caught on tape aiding and abetting in the sex trafficking and abortions of minors as young as 14. In vetoing this bill, Governor Christie has ensured that NJ taxpayers will not be complicit in the sexual abuse and exploitation of poor women and minors under the pretense of ‘women’s health.’”
The governor also addressed the New Jersey March for Life in Trenton late last month.
UPDATE: The State of New Jersey will investigate the Perth Amboy clinic where the offending video was shot:
Department of Health and Senior Services spokeswoman Donna Leusner told the newspaper that Commissioner Poonam Alaigh was “concerned” that Planned Parenthood was potentially referring young prostitutes to MMA.
Leusner said the health department’s probe of Metropolitan Medical Associates will include “an examination of patient medical records, interviews with staff and observations of the facility to ensure that it is complying with all regulations.”