The money awarded through the Sophia Travis Community Service Grant is specifically for long-term contraceptives and STD testing.
Grant money will not be allocated for abortion services.
The seven council members opted to vote on the Sophia Travis Community Service Grant money for Planned Parenthood separately from the other 29 local agencies.
This year the grant will give a total of $110,000 to local community projects.
Jared Cochran, an IU Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry assistant professor, said he was encouraged the grant was going to other agencies as well.
“It was very encouraging to hear that there was support of organizations that do good for our community, and I can’t see how the slaughter of children is good for our city and is good for our county,” Cochran said.
Several pro-life advocates voiced their concerns over recent videos concerning Planned Parenthood employees and fetal tissue sales.
Volunteers, patients and supporters of Planned Parenthood shared their experiences during the hour-long public commentary.
Councilwoman Shelli Yoder reminded the audience that Gov. Mike Pence’s investigation into Indiana’s Planned Parenthood facilities showed compliance with state regulations and no tissue-donation program.
Twenty-seven Monroe County residents on both sides of the argument took the mic to speak to their representatives.
Pro-life supporters rallied together at the last minute through calling and email lists after discovering the council would vote on the grant two months earlier than they had in previous years.
Clearnote Church member Ann Cooper stood outside Monroe County Courthouse before the session with her four daughters and a friend Tuesday night.
“We’re concerned for the vulnerability of unborn children,” Cooper said. “They can’t speak, so we have to speak for them.”
Local Catholics and Protestants gathered at every entrance of the courthouse in protest.
“Everyone dropped everything,” Clearnote Church member Carole Canfield said. “They care about this. We are sick and tired of our taxes chopping up babies.”
Holding a sign that read “Peace in the Womb,” nine-year-old Rachel Cooper recited a quote from former president Ronald Reagan.
“I’ve noticed that everyone who is for abortion has already been born,” she said.
Although Reagan’s presidency was far before her time, Rachel is already well versed in pro-life policies.
She and her sisters participated in the Youth Rally and Mass for Life event in January where they encircled the courthouse with signs.
“Babies are like sunshine; they make everyone happy,” Rachel said. “They were made on purpose for a purpose. We don’t know what that purpose is unless we let them grow up.”
Her mother and other pro-life supporters shared a similar sentiment during the council session.
Alternately, Monroe County resident Catherine Smith shared a different perspective regarding family planning and the contraceptive education she received for the first time at Planned Parenthood with her husband.
“As a Christian, let me tell you, Planned Parenthood was the answer to my prayers,” Smith said.
