Latest news with #PPMM
CBS News
25-07-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Planned Parenthood closes 5 California locations because of Trump administration funding cuts
Planned Parenthood locations in California have been shut down as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill, President Donald Trump's signature tax and spending legislation. Clinics in Gilroy, Santa Cruz, Madera, San Mateo and South San Francisco, which are part of the Planned Parenthood Mar Monte affiliate, have all been closed because of the bill's provision ending federal funding to organizations that provide abortions. The affiliate is the largest Planned Parenthood affiliate in the U.S., serving some 300,000 people annually at 30 health center locations in California and Nevada. The other services that will be lost because of the funding cuts are family medicine, behavioral health, and prenatal care, PPMM said. "We are heartbroken and outraged to have to close five of our health centers (who have served over 22,000 patients in the past year) and sunset three crucial services," the affiliate said in a statement posted on social media. "We understand that dedicated staff have been impacted because of this and we hope for, and continue to fight for, a future where we can serve these communities again." Word of the closures comes on the same week that Planned Parenthood received a partial court victory against the provision of the bill, which passed without any Democratic votes in the House and Senate. The provision, which doesn't mention Planned Parenthood by name, prohibits large clinics and providers that offer abortions from accepting Medicaid even if they provide other services such as reproductive health care services, STD testing, and cancer screening. On Monday, a U.S. District Court judge granted a preliminary injunction that blocked the government from cutting Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood member organizations that either do not provide abortion care or did not receive at least $800,000 in Medicaid payments in a year. The temporary restraining order by U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani lasts 14 days and directs the Department of Health and Human Services to "take all steps necessary to ensure that Medicaid funding continues to be disbursed" to Planned Parenthood. Following the order, Planned Parenthood said this week that for those members not covered by the injunction, the defunding provision would go into effect. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Santa Cruz) issued a statement Thursday vowing to pursue legal and state-level options to keep the clinics open. "These cuts undermine a major part of the health care safety net for women and families, not just in our 19th Congressional District, but all across California," said Panetta. "Through legislation, litigation, and coordination with state and local leaders, we will continue to fight back." Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-San Mateo) called the closures "a dark day for our district and the country" in a statement issued Friday. "I am outraged that two Planned Parenthood clinics in my district have been forced to close due to President Trump and Republicans' cuts to Medicaid," said Mullin. "Their Big Ugly Bill cuts Medicaid reimbursements to health care organizations like Planned Parenthood. Now, we're witnessing the real-world ramifications of the shameful extremism embodied by the Republican House majority." While Medicaid funding is already prohibited from being used to cover abortions except in cases of rape, incest or risk to a mother's life, Planned Parenthood argues the new provision would make it harder for patients to access the non-abortion services offered by the group's local members. Planned Parenthood says more than half of its patients use Medicaid, and cutting off funding would have "devastating effects" on the group and its local affiliates, forcing some local health centers to close. "This isn't over. While we're grateful that the court recognized the harm caused by this law, we're disappointed that not all members were granted the necessary relief today," the organization said in a statement issued after the preliminary injunction. "Patients across the country should be able to go to their trusted Planned Parenthood provider for birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing and treatment. This is about patients and their right to get care - no matter their insurance. The court has not yet ruled on whether it will grant preliminary injunctive relief to other members. We remain hopeful that the court will grant this relief. There will be nothing short of a public health crisis if Planned Parenthood members are allowed to be 'defunded.'" In response to the ruling, a White House official said, "The Trump Administration is ending the forced use of Federal taxpayer dollars to fund or promote elective abortion – a commonsense position that the overwhelming majority of Americans agree with." In 2022, California voters passed an amendment to the state constitution that enshrines the right to reproductive freedom, including the right to have an abortion, by a two-thirds margin.
Borneo Post
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
‘Kek-Nyalang' unites Mirians in sweet celebration of Sarawak Day
(From fifth right) Ting, Yii and Lee pose with members of the organising committee during the Kek-Nyalang event. MIRI (July 24): Over 700 people gathered at Boulevard Shopping Mall here for 'Kek-Nyalang', Sarawak's first multicultural cake-sharing charity event held in conjunction with Sarawak Day. Organised by Persatuan Prihatin Masyarakat Miri (PPMM), the event on July 22 featured a total of 503 cakes of various types, donated by sponsors and shared with guests to spread joy, unity, and compassion within the community. Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting, who officiated at the event, described Miri as a city filled with love and compassion, where community welfare efforts are always met with strong public support. 'The ability to give is a form of happiness. When we help others together, we also experience a sense of joy and fulfilment ourselves,' he said in his speech. He praised the active involvement of youths in volunteerism and community service, calling them the driving force behind Sarawak's future development. 'The future of Sarawak depends not only on physical and economic progress but also on a generation of visionary, caring, and action-oriented young people.' Ting urged continued societal support for the younger generation by providing opportunities for growth through service, allowing them to become catalysts for positive change in their communities. Meanwhile, PPMM president Lee Jun Tak said the event was not only about cakes, but about extending love and support to those in need. 'We invited around 200 special guests from various special needs groups to celebrate Sarawak Day with us, sharing warmth and creating meaningful memories together. 'Charity is not just about money, but also about action and emotional connection. That is the foundation on which we built this organisation,' he added. Founded in 2019, PPMM has grown from a small group of five to more than 400 volunteers today. This year's celebration drew support from sponsors across Peninsular Malaysia, Brunei, Kuching, Sibu, and Bintulu, showing the wide reach and appeal of the initiative. Also in attendance was Miri mayor Adam Yii. Kek-Nyalang miri sarawak day
The Star
19-07-2025
- General
- The Star
‘Counselling can help couples better understand each other'
PETALING JAYA: Counselling can provide couples with a safe space to express pent-up feelings through a neutral third party, says the Malaysian Muslim Lawyers Association (PPMM). Its president Muhamad Hisham Marzuki said counselling can be an alternative platform to help resolve problems within the family such as financial management, respect for each other, health, relationships between in-laws and issues involving religion and morals. 'On domestic violence, there are many factors that contribute to it, and not just the religious background. ALSO READ: Guidance for a stable marriage 'The issue can stem from family background, upbringing, financial constraints, environment and even exposure to social media culture,' he said. On the importance of existing pre-marriage courses for Muslims, Muhamad Hisham said it was to prepare couples for marriage and help them think maturely on decisions that will have to be made post-marriage. He said various modules have been formulated to help couples in dealing with family and household matters. The Archdiocesan Mental Health Ministry suggested that pre-marriage counselling help couples understand each other based on personal values, beliefs, individual goals and future planning. It said this was because both partners have to be aligned or understand where they differ to have a deep conversation about faith, children, financial planning, family roles and spiritual life. 'Pre-marriage counselling is very important as it helps couples identify differences, talk about expectations and learn how to resolve disagreements in healthy, faith-based ways,' it added. It said couples could attend counselling for communication breakdown, financial difficulties, intimacy issues or even personal mental health issues like depression or anxiety. 'However, it is imperative to know that the counselling process will only work if both the couple and therapist are emotionally open to listening and learning,' it added. Asked if pre-marriage courses should be made mandatory, it said that while it cannot be forced upon, it was highly encouraged as a form of investment into the relationship. The Catholic Church offers a course called the Catholic Marriage Preparation Course (CMPC), where couples attend courses for up to seven weekends before their wedding. Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism president Tan Hoe Chieow said having a compulsory pre-marriage course was not a 'guarantee' that issues being faced by a couple would be resolved. He said for non-Muslims, putting another condition prior to marriage might hinder more of them from taking the plunge. 'This pre-marriage course was brought up many years ago and we had rejected it as we did not know if it would be effective. 'There is also the question of attendance. 'So, we objected to it. But if a particular religious group wants a pre-marriage course, it is up to them,' he added.
Borneo Post
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
MP calls for greater community participation in volunteer, welfare efforts
Chiew (fourth right) and Lee (fifth right), together with others, hold the celebration posters for the multicultural cake-sharing charity programme, set to take place July 22 at Boulevard Shopping Mall, Pujut. MIRI (July 15): Greater community involvement in welfare initiatives is essential for expanding the reach and impact of such assistance, said Miri MP Chiew Choon Man. He stressed that despite ongoing welfare efforts, many vulnerable communities continue to require support. 'By having more people participate in welfare work, we can extend help to a greater number of individuals and allow the warmth of society's love to be felt more widely,' he said. Chiew was met following a courtesy visit from Persatuan Prihatin Masyarakat Miri (PPMM) led by chairman Lee Jun Tak, during which he was invited to attend the upcoming 722 Kek-Nyalang Sarawak multicultural cake-sharing charity programme. The event is scheduled to take place on July 22 from 2pm to 4pm at Boulevard Shopping Mall, Pujut. Adding on, Chiew said today's youth are not only the backbone of the nation's future but also serve as powerful agents of change. 'They are the most energetic and idealistic group. We should provide them platforms to discover their self-worth through volunteer work and build their identity by helping others.' He advocated for structured mechanisms to promote youth engagement in community service, including the development of youth volunteer programmes and leadership initiatives to empower the next generation of welfare leaders. 'Miri has long demonstrated a strong spirit of unity and mutual support. With more kind-hearted individuals stepping forward, the caring culture of our city will continue to grow,' he said. 'I believe that through our collective efforts, we can assist those in need and also shape a more loving and united community.' Chiew Choon Man community involvement lead welfare
Borneo Post
24-06-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
PPMM to host multicultural cake sharing charity event for Sarawak Day
Lee (front, third left) and the committee members promote the charity event. MIRI (June 25): The Persatuan Prihatin Masyarakat Miri (PPMM) will be holding a 'Kek-Nyalang' multicultural cake sharing charity event on July 22 at Boulevard Shopping Mall, from 2pm to 4pm, in conjunction with Sarawak Day. PPMM president and event organising chairman Lee Jun Tak said the event, carrying the theme 'Ethnic and Cultural Diversity', is an initiative to celebrate and support individuals with different abilities (OKU). 'Several OKU-related organisations have been invited to participate in the programme. 'Additionally, over 50 locally known cake brands from Miri will be taking part, offering more than 100 types of special cakes for visitors to enjoy. It is a dessert day for a charitable cause,' he said. Lee added that the programme aims to raise public awareness about the underprivileged and promote kindness through the practice of giving. Visitors are welcome to bring their own cakes to share and, in return, they may also enjoy the variety of cakes provided at the event. Those who do not bring a cake but wish to join the cake-tasting session can make a contribution of RM50, which entitles them to sample all the cakes available. 'The monetary contribution will be fully donated to the Oikos Centre Miri to help cover the centre's daily operating costs and support families in need,' said Lee. He added that each OKU representative from the invited organisations will receive a 5kg bag of rice, sponsored by Tong Seng Huat Rice Trading Sdn Bhd, as a token of appreciation for their support. Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the meaningful community programme to help spread the spirit of compassion and love towards the underprivileged. For more information, contact Lee Jun Tak on 010-967 8879 or PPMM secretary Sheonad Lau on 016-872 9009.
