Local abortion opponents are planning to rally Saturday at 15 Planned Parenthood clinics in Michigan to urge government leaders to strip the organization of its federal funding.
The events are among the more than 200 rallies being organized nationwide by #ProtestPP, a coalition of state and national anti-abortion groups. Counter-protests are also expected.
Organizers say the taxpayer dollars that go to Planned Parenthood should instead be funneled to health care providers that better serve women and don't offer controversial services.
Ruth Lednicer, director of media and communications for Planned Parenthood of Michigan, called the rallies misguided. She noted that no federal dollars can be used for abortions, and that the health centers offer other services like cancer screenings and birth control.