Cars passing the Allen Street Gates in downtown State College honked in support of a Planned Parenthood rally Wednesday.
About 30 people, including students and community members, gathered to protest the Trump Administration’s “Protect Life Rule,” which was announced Friday.
It eliminates Title X federal funding to clinics that perform abortions or do abortion referrals—stripping Planned Parenthood of an estimated $60 million dollars.
Reverend Jes Kast is a member of Planned Parenthood’s National Clergy Advocacy Board and a local pastor. She said she thinks the rule would negatively impact State College.
“Title X helps some of the most vulnerable people in our country," Kast said. "Here in State College it would be the students, people of color, poorer communities.”
Christine O’Donovan-Zavada is a community organizer with Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates. She also disagrees with the new rule.
“Title X is a vitally important program for 4 million people nationwide," O'Donovan-Zavada said. "We are working to elevate the voices of patients who will be most affected by this.”
The new directive is set to take effect in 60 days. Organizations receiving Title X funding will have 120 days to financially separate their Title X activities from their abortion operations.