Des Moines, IA (LifeNews.com) -- An Iowa pro-life group is leading the charge to generate support for an amendment in the Iowa Senate that would de-fund Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion business. Two lawmakers are spearheading an effort Iowa Right to Life is supporting to steer the money elsewhere.

Senator David Johnson Representative Matt Whindschitl have proposed an amendment to redirect the $1,000,000 from the governor's Planned Parenthood funding to Iowa pregnancy centers.

They say the centers and maternity homes the money would be diverted to provide more tangible help for women in serious pregnancy situations.

Kim Lehman, the head of the pro-life group, has asked pro-life advocates in Iowa to contact their state senator and urge support for the Johnson Amendment in the Senate Human Services Appropriations Budget.

"Express to them that Iowa should invest our tax dollars into preserving life and abstinence education," Lehman instructed. "We need a positive approach rather than funding the controversial abortion industry."

Lehman told LifeNews.com the calls are needed because "Planned Parenthood is working overtime to secure additional tax funding."

She said the abortion business is airing radio and television campaigns and has started using automated calls to reach their supporters which connect them directly to the State Senate switchboard.

Lehman said Senator Brad Zaun told her he fielded 20 calls from abortion advocates but explained he would not support adding another $1 million to the pro-abortion group's coffers.

She also told LifeNews.com Planned Parenthood has received enough taxpayer funds already with more than $5 million in Medicaid funds heading to the abortion business during 2007.

Planned Parenthood also received another $347,509 in grants and state contributions, according to Iowa Department of Administrative Services figures.

Ultimately, Lehman hopes to stop the state from directly funding abortions.

Iowa Department of Human Services numbers show $36,308 spent on abortions in 2007, and $80,229 in taxpayer-funded abortions in 2006.

ACTION: Contact your state senator at 515-281-3371 to urge support for the Johnson budget amendment to cut Planned Parenthood funding. You can also use http://www.legis.state.ia.us/FindLeg to find your state legislators.

Related web sites:
Iowa Right to Life Committee - http://www.IRLC.org