"It would be the height of irresponsibility to allow an ideological issue that has nothing to do with cutting the budget deficit - funding the nation's Title X family planning program and stripping Planned Parenthood of all federal funds - to get in the way of an agreement to fund the federal government. 

"The overwhelming majority of the services that Planned Parenthood health centers provide are the basic investments in public health, including cancer screenings and breast exams.  In 2010, Planned Parenthood provided nearly 90,000 New York City women with HIV tests, life-saving cervical cancer screenings, and family planning support.  And for many women with limited incomes, these clinics are their point of entry into the health care system and their ongoing source of primary care services.  If these services disappear, more women are likely to contract diseases that will lead to highly expensive Medicaid and Medicare bills borne by taxpayers - and that will imperil their lives.  Dismantling these programs would likely increase the spread of sexually transmitted infections; increase the number of women with cervical and breast cancers who are not diagnosed until the cancers are in late stages; and increase unintended pregnancies among women - which will lead to more abortions.  And it will cost - not save - taxpayers money.

"For the sake of America's families - so many of whom already face daunting challenges in finding affordable, quality health care - we urge Congress and the President not to walk away from these programs."