A compromise may be in the works over where Medicaid patients in Iowa can get family planning services after July 1st. House Republicans have been pushing to prevent any tax dollars from going to Planned Parenthood. About 30-thousand Iowa Medicaid patients got contraceptives and reproductive health exams this past year at Planned Parenthood. Republican House Speaker Linda Upmeyer of Clear Lake is suggesting creation of a new state grant program for other non-profit groups that oppose abortion and provide women’s health services. But Medicaid patients could still choose to use Planned Parenthood.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, a Democrat from Council Bluffs, says he did not intend to negotiate with Republicans through the media.

Senate Democrats have successfully resisted G-O-P efforts to “defund” Planned Parenthood in each of the past five years