EXCLUSIVE Kathy Ireland: Taxpayers Shouldn't Have to Fund Planned Parenthood

Kathy Ireland (AP)

Supermodel turned entrepreneur Kathy Ireland is one Hollywood star who isn’t afraid to voice her pro-life views, and when Pop Tarts caught up with her this week, she was an outspoken advocate for the government’s bid to cut costs by eliminating Planned Parenthood.

“I think Planned Parenthood needs to reassess and look at what their values are, what their mission is, what their goals are, and do they deserve government funding? For example, there are non-profits that I’m involved with, and we don’t get government funding,” Ireland told FOX411’s Pop Tarts this week. “We go out there, and if you really believe in this strongly enough to fight it for it, go get the funding.

“To force people who don’t agree with some of the practices, I don’t believe in that. I don’t think tax payers need to fund something as controversial as [Planned Parenthood].”

Ireland, who is the CEO of her organization Kathy Ireland Worldwide, was honored this week by the YWCA Greater Los Angeles with the 2011 Phenomenal Woman of the Year Award at the “Saluting Women Who Are Instruments of Change” ceremony.

But while she is very open about her views, Ireland said her anti-abortion stance has incensed many of her entertainment industry cohorts over the years.

“I’ve never set out to win a popularity contest. I came from [being previously pro-choice], but when I was confronted with the science – and I spoke to top scientists throughout our country asking, ‘Would you please just show me some shred of evidence that the unborn is not a human being?’ and no one has been able to show me any, and I will continue to fight for those human rights until someone can show me otherwise,” she continued. “So a lot of people get mad at me, but that’s okay. I listen to criticism because sometimes there are things to learn, even if it’s wrapped in a nasty package.”

Ireland, who is the CEO of her organization Kathy Ireland Worldwide, was honored this week by the YWCA Greater Los Angeles with the 2011 Phenomenal Woman of the Year Award at the “Saluting Women Who Are Instruments of Change” ceremony.

And it seems Ireland’s desire to make a difference stems in large part from her DNA and upbringing.

“I didn’t know if I was going to be here today, my dad got ill last week and yesterday was on life support. But I believe God answers prayers, whatever his decision is, and my dad got off life support and started making prank phone calls!

“He was so excited about me being here today, and his life really epitomizes the YWCA,” Ireland told us at the event on Wednesday.

Although Ireland is somewhat bothered by celebrities lending their names to causes and charities simply to plump up their own public profile, she understands the value a star-studded name can bring, regardless of one’s personal agenda.

“When Hollywood (draws attention to non-profit organizations) we can get some really good results. I just assume most people are (helping) because it’s the right thing and it’s a passion of theirs.”

Deidre Behar contributed to this report.