Thursday, February 7, 2008

OMG. Will it never end?

Read on Our Bodies, Our Blog: and I quote:

"Bush's 2009 Budget Request Includes Health-Related Cuts, Increased Abstinence Funding

Earlier this week, President Bush released his $3.1 trillion 2009 budget request, which includes freezes and decreases for the budgets of many health programs, alongside massive defense spending. The budget documents are difficult to sift through, but a few health-related proposals are worth noting.

Among the cuts and lack of increases:

No increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health, which funds a vast amount of medical research

A $412 million (~4.5%) decrease in program funding for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

An $995 million (~14%) reduction in program funds for the Health Resources and Services Administration, including flat funding for Title X family planning and decreases in funding for healthcare workforce development.

A $198 million (~6%) decrease for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Flat funding for child welfare and child abuse prevention under the Administration for Children and Families

Nearly 30% reduction in international family planning and reproductive health funding

The kicker? The budget includes $191 million for abstinence-only education through the Administration for Children and Families, a $28 million increase (~17%)." Bold mine.

I'm speechless.

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