Protesters seek end to Planned Parenthood funding

WEST ALLIS - With a new grandchild in her family, Becky Sanfelippo said Saturday that she decided to join her first public protest, holding a "Moms for Life" sign and standing with around 70 people gathered outside the Planned Parenthood health center on S. 108th St.

"I want to help save the lives of future unborn babies," said Sanfelippo, whose husband, Joe, is a Republican legislator in the state Assembly.

"It's a peaceful demonstration," she said. "I think it's the best way to get your views across."

The rally was led by Pro-Life Wisconsin and was among more than 200 demonstrations at Planned Parenthood locations across the country. Emboldened by the election of President Donald Trump, who vowed during his campaign to take away federal funding for Planned Parenthood, activists are trying to prod Congress to make good on the promise.

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Supporters of Planned Parenthood organized counter demonstrations nationally, including several held around the state. The West Allis facility does not provide abortion services.

"No organization does more to prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce the incidence of abortion than Planned Parenthood," said Tanya Atkinson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. "If opponents of abortion were serious about reducing unintended pregnancy and the incidence of abortion, they’d be working alongside Planned Parenthood to expand people’s access to effective birth control, sex education and preventive health care — rather than harassing and shaming women for their personal medical decisions."

Paula Magliocco, a homemaker from Pewaukee, was at the demonstration with her husband, their two grown children, a son-in-law and two grandchildren.

"I think there are enough people praying and hoping for life," she said.

Magliocco added that "women's health care is available everywhere, hospitals, doctors, free clinics."

Laura Brown of West Allis, who held a sign that read, "I regret my abortion," said she hoped with "all my heart" that Planned Parenthood loses federal funding.

"Why does Planned Parenthood need tax dollars?" she said.

Dan Miller, state director of Pro-Life Wisconsin, said similar events were held in Delavan, Madison, Eau Claire and Wisconsin Rapids.

"We've been doing this for 44 years," he said of the demonstrations.