TRAVERSE CITY -- Supporters gathered in Traverse City today as one of America's largest health care providers is at risk of losing federal funding.

Katrina Holdorph, a protester from Traverse City says, “We just want the government to know that we stand together. Men and women’s health is important. This would devastate Northern Michigan.”

The U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment that would bar Planned Parenthood from receiving any federal funding from a source called Title X.

If the amendment becomes law, Planned Parenthood would lose $317 million and be forced to lay off employees. The organization says it's an attack on women's health and would guarantee an increase in unintended pregnancies.

Planned Parenthood Regional Community Services Manager, Jennifer Kirkpatrick Johnson says this year more than 16,000 patients came to Northern Michigan Planned Parenthood for services, mostly basic care.

Johnson says, "We mostly get people needing annual physicals, pap smears, breast exams, and birth control services."

Opponents say the government shouldn't fund a program that performs abortions. A spokesperson for Rep. Dave Camp released a statement to 7&4 News.

It says, "Congressman Camp has always opposed abortion and taxpayer funding of abortion. The Pence amendment to the House spending bill prevents taxpayer funding from supporting abortions and other abortion services provided through Planned Parenthood and its nationwide affiliates."

Planned Parenthood says the amendment is pointless because there is already a legislative provision barring federal funds from being use for abortions. (Hyde Amendment) Officials say they follow that law and Title X money is currently not used for abortions.  

The amendment now moves to the Senate.