This past January, PA residents who receive medical assistance from the Pa. Dept. of Welfare (DPW) received a brochure in the mail promoting Planned Parenthood. It was titled, "We're More Than You Think." It listed the "services" offered and advised the recipient they could come to PP without a referral or insurance. It listed the PP offices in Pa. with one number to call. It automatically connected the caller to the nearest PP facility. Although the brochure arrived in an unmarked envelope, recipients recognized it as typical of mailings they receive from DPW.

When first questioned by private citizens and state legislators about the mailing, officials of DPW denied any knowledge of it. On further investigation, it was learned that the postal meter numbers used for the mailing belonged to DPW. More legislators became involved and continued to question DPW. They continued to deny any knowledge, insisting no taxpayer money was used, and advised that it would be illegal to share a client mailing list with a private organization. The denials continued through March and into April. Finally, on April 1O, a letter was written admitting that DPW had made an "arrangement" with PP of Chester County, whereby PP supplied the brochure, but DPW stuffed, addressed and paid the postage. The brochure was mailed to 56,305 female PA residents in every county except Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia. The April 1O letter also stated that Planned Parenthood would reimburse DPW. From January to April, they said "No taxpayer money was used." Now in April, they had not yet been paid. As it turned out, an invoice was not even prepared for PP until April 9, 1998! DPW and PP now insist that because PP did pay $15,349.88 and DPW has "promised" they wouldn't do it again, the issue should be dropped ... no harm done.

NO HARM DONE?! How many young women responded to that brochure and are now in the clutches of Planned Parenthood? How much more promiscuity was encouraged because she could get pills at taxpayer expense? How many more women will become infected with an STD? How many babies will be killed when those pills or condoms fail?

After months of letter writing and phone calls, the story finally became public when both the Daily Local News of West Chester and the Philadelphia Inquirer ran stories. Another interesting fact, not previously known, emerged in the newspaper accounts. Frances Sheehan, Exec. Director of PP of Chester County, stated that "the actual text of the brochure was reviewed and approved by the governor's office prior to printing." Not only are there close ties to PP within the DPW, but Governor Ridge was in on the scheme from the beginning. Auditor General Robert Casey, Jr. has launched an investigation and audit to determine if tax money was misused. We want to know who in the DPW is the force behind the promotion and marketing agency they have assumed for PP. This must be stopped! The responsible parties must be exposed and held accountable. Reform is critical.