HealthThe Perot Foundation announced a $1 million contribution to Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas on Thursday.
The foundation, founded by former Presidential candidate Ross Perot, has supported women’s health issues since its inception.
“For nearly 100 years Planned Parenthood has helped to educate men and women regarding family planning and general family health,” Ross Perot’s wife Margo Perot said in a statement through Planned Parenthood. “Our family has supported this nonprofit for many years because we are impressed with the work they do — providing birth control, scientifically-based education, breast health exams, and basic life-saving healthcare for women who cannot afford services otherwise.”
Planned Parenthood will be able to use the undesignated funds however the nonprofit sees fit. Officials at Planned Parenthood said the money comes at a most vital time.
Changes to Texas Women’s Health Program last winter cut, eliminated 23 percent of the program and cut off funding to Planned Parenthood.
“Women across the state are suffering due to the state’s unprecedented and dangerous cuts to funding for basic, preventive health care for Texas women,” said Ken Lambrecht, president and chief executive of Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas. “Texans across the political spectrum continue to support Planned Parenthood and the vital health services we offer.”
The Plano-based Perot Foundation has donated more that $200 million to charity.
Thirty years ago, the foundation opened the Margot Perot Center for Women & Infants in Dallas where more than 5,000 newborns are delivered every year.
In 1984, Ross Perot acquired a very early copy of the Magna Carta, which was one of few to ever leave the U.K. At the time it cost him $1.5 million, the New York Times reported.
In 2007, it was sold by the Perot Foundation for $21.3 million in order to provide “for medical research, for improving public education and for assisting wounded soldiers and their families.”
“We are thrilled that this generous gift will enable us to continue providing basic, preventive health care,” Lambrecht said in a statement. “Thanks to the generosity of The Perot Foundation and other community members, Planned Parenthood is proud to be here for the Texans who count on us, no matter what.”
Sources: Dallas News, Raw Story
1 Reported by Opposing Views 3 days ago.