Planned Parenthood’s recent campaign, backed by a list of 250 celebrities, has sparked significant backlash as critics call out the organization’s deteriorating health services and its increasing political spending. The campaign, which included a full-page ad in the New York Times, pushed for mandatory taxpayer funding of the organization, raising questions about the motives behind such a high-profile campaign. Critics argue that the data from the organization’s annual report tells a different story, showing a decline in essential services like birth control and cancer screenings, while political spending has surged dramatically.
The current political climate has also made this campaign particularly contentious. With the House passing President Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful’ bill, which aims to defund organizations like Planned Parenthood, the organization is under pressure as the Democratic majority in Congress wanes. This has led to accusations that Planned Parenthood is struggling to maintain its funding and is now attempting to secure taxpayer support through celebrity endorsements.
Further fueling the controversy is the recent New York Times article that exposed the organization’s poor health and safety standards. The report detailed botched abortions, leaking sewage, and a Missouri branch that was shut down for using moldy equipment. These conditions have sparked public outrage and increased criticism of the organization’s practices, making the campaign’s push for taxpayer funding even more contentious.
Despite this, the campaign continues to emphasize health services like birth control and STI testing. However, the data from the organization’s report shows that these services have seen a sharp decline, with a major increase in political activities, including nearly $70 million spent on electoral campaigns. This has led to the perception that the organization is more focused on political lobbying than on providing essential medical services.
As the backlash continues, many Americans are questioning the role of celebrities in political campaigns and whether taxpayer funds should be used to support organizations with a mixed record of service delivery. The campaign’s failure to resonate with the public highlights the growing skepticism towards celebrity-driven politics and the increasing demand for accountability in public funding decisions.