Virginia
conservatives target HIV prevention programs

The Family Foundation of Virginia, one of the state's oldest conservative advocacy groups, on Wednesday announced that it hopes to persuade state lawmakers in 2006 to eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia, which conducts HIV prevention and teen pregnancy prevention programs throughout the state. Planned Parenthood received more than $300,000 in state funding between 2000 and 2004, with much of that going to HIV prevention programs that include emphasis on condom use.

The foundation also plans to push for lawmakers to require that state health agencies notify the parents of a minor who receives contraception or medical attention for a sexually transmitted disease.

Previous attempts by the foundation to influence lawmakers to cut Planned Parenthood funding have failed, but foundation president Victoria Cobb says changes in key state senate committees could help advance the organization's agenda. (Advocate.com)