The most contentious issue in America today may be abortion and it's been that way for much of the past four decades. One of the newest tactics used by elected officials opposed to abortion is to cut off federal and state funding from Planned Parenthood -- a reproductive health organization that provides abortions along with other services for women.

A lot of information is circulated about Planned Parenthood, whether on websites or picket signs, so discerning actual statistics about the organization can sometimes be a challenge. The services provided by Planned Parenthood include sexually transmitted disease screenings, cancer screenings, birth control, pregnancy tests, prenatal services and abortion. According to Planned Parenthood, 3% of their services are for abortions, while 42% accounts for STD testing, screening and treatment.

A 1976 law bans federal funding from being used to pay for elective abortions. Government money comes in the form of Medicaid for low-income clients. Planned Parenthood maintains the organization complies with the law but opponents say blanket Medicaid payments do contribute to paying for abortions.

Wednesday's Smart Talk examines efforts to defund Planned Parenthood. Our guests are Diane Gramley, President of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania and Sari Stevens, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates.

Earlier this week, the White House panel examining the nation's opioid epidemic asked President Trump to declare a national public health emergency to combat the ongoing crisis. Normally, public health emergencies are reserved for natural disasters but that's how bad the opioid crisis has gotten.

WITF's Transforming Health reporter Ben Allen has closely covered this issue the last few years and joins us to provide updates on several fronts.