Bush Promotes Cancer Tests in Africa as Texas Cuts Them

by Thanh Tan
November 30, 2011
19 Comments

As former President George W. Bush prepares for his first post-White House journey to Africa to promote efforts to combat cervical and breast cancer among women there, his home state is struggling to provide the same services to low-income women.

“It’s a contradiction and it’s ironic,” said Fran Hagerty, the CEO of the Women’s Health and Family Planning Association of Texas, an advocacy group that represents more than 60 clinics, hospitals and medical schools around the state.

Bush and former first lady Laura Bush are scheduled to leave their Dallas home to visit Tanzania, Zambia and Ethiopia ...

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Comments (19)

November 30, 2011 @ 8:35 a.m.

Mike Openshaw via Texas Tribune on Facebook

Major difference here. The clinics Bush is visiting are NOT focused on providing abortions services- not by a long way. Unlikely the service is even provided at all. The main emphasis of such clinics is AIDs prevention and some contraception services. I know because I've seen some of those same clinics.
Planned Parenthood provides SOME Women's health services, but there are a LOT of other options to providing them; without having taxpayers funding an abortion mill in the process.
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November 30, 2011 @ 8:36 a.m.

Bambi Clark via Texas Tribune on Facebook

Perry's GOP lege attacked women and children all session, but protected oil companies.
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November 30, 2011 @ 8:41 a.m.

Alexandra Richmond via Texas Tribune on Facebook

calling pp an abortion mill is like calling any hospital an infection factory.
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November 30, 2011 @ 8:51 a.m.

Luisa Inez Newton via Texas Tribune on Facebook

As most Texans know by now, Perry's legacy will be that of the worst gov in Texas history; as the whole USA knows, he is beyond dumb & stupid & he has NO good ideas about anything
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November 30, 2011 @ 8:57 a.m.

Amanda Domaschk via Texas Tribune on Facebook

Great topic. Thank you for covering such a backwards policy move
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November 30, 2011 @ 9:04 a.m.

Anne Rucker via Texas Tribune on Facebook

Unbelievable.
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November 30, 2011 @ 9:04 a.m.

David Huang via Texas Tribune on Facebook

Don't really get how anyone could be "proud" of that record.
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November 30, 2011 @ 9:06 a.m.

Aldo Merino via Texas Tribune on Facebook

About the only thing his presidential run has clinched is his failure for any more terms as governor.
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November 30, 2011 @ 9:26 a.m.

Renee E. Babcock via Texas Tribune on Facebook

Mike, Planned Parenthood is not *focused* on providing abortion services. It is *focused* on providing low income women with access to basic health care, including services to *prevent* unwanted pregnancies. A quick google search would have shown you that information, instead of you needing to spout uninformed talking points. The majority of Planned Parenthood's services are healthcare services. And unlike what you so desperately want to believe in your male-privileged worldview, most of these women do not have other options for health care access. I might consider your argument slightly more valid if you'd actually provide sources to back up your assertions. But I know it's not nearly as interesting to let facts get in the way of some good (conservative male-privileged) moral outrage.
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November 30, 2011 @ 9:34 a.m.

Dale Thompson via Texas Tribune on Facebook

You go, Renee.
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November 30, 2011 @ 9:42 a.m.

Alexandra Richmond via Texas Tribune on Facebook

Renee for gov!!
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November 30, 2011 @ 10:12 a.m.

Renee E. Babcock via Texas Tribune on Facebook

I can never run for office. I have too many skeletons in my closet that I am not ashamed of. And I'm far too sensible. :-)
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November 30, 2011 @ 10:24 a.m.

Nancy Haggard via Texas Tribune on Facebook

I cant figure how he got in office to begin with!!!! Must be oil n cattle related
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November 30, 2011 @ 10:51 a.m.

Dale Curry

Mike - Again with the misinformation? Planned Parenthood is NOT FOCUSED on providing abortions, it accounts for less than 5 to 10 % of its business. And by SOME, I guess that is Tparty lie/disinformation for mostly? And lastly, Taxpayers have NOT funded abortions. For someone who is informed, you sure do misrepresent the truth a great deal.
November 30, 2011 @ 10:53 a.m.

Dale Curry

Amen Renee! Thanks for pointing out the truth!
November 30, 2011 @ 12:14 p.m.

Joel Stanford via Texas Tribune on Facebook

Tribune, you've got a typo up there and in the article. 37.9 million - not billion!
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November 30, 2011 @ 12:15 p.m.

Joel Stanford via Texas Tribune on Facebook

Also, I'd like Mike to list the alternatives to Planned Parenthood out there. Good luck with that - there aren't any.
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November 30, 2011 @ 2:16 p.m.

Tom Sweazea via Texas Tribune on Facebook

You know, I've been cautioned before about being polite to other commenters of Tribune posts... But have to say, F$@k you Mike.
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December 2, 2011 @ 11:43 a.m.

yana guana

Looks like Bush is following in the steps of President Jimmy Carter. The Carter center helps mostly African nations. Former Presidents feel like they are doing something benevolent.
I do not think so. Taking from the natives of this land and giving to Africans is not my idea of being benevolent.