Following a heated discussion of abortion and Planned Parenthood in Wednesday night’s GOP Presidential candidate debate, yesterday House Republicans voted in favor of defunding Planned Parenthood.
The bill is opposed by Democratic leaders and President Obama, which makes it extremely unlikely that it will be passed.
241 Representatives voted in favor of the bill, which gained traction after a series of targeted attacks on Planned Parenthood this summer. A group calling itself the Center for Medical Progress released a series of videos alleging that Planned Parenthood profited off of fetal tissue research. The sting campaign reignited GOP opposition to abortion, and Planned Parenthood.
Five states–Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, South Dakota, Georgia and Indiana–have all conducted investigations of Planned Parenthood. In each case, Planned Parenthood has been found to be operating within full accordance of the law.
Abortion has become a critical issue in the Presidential race. Senator Ted Cruz has been encouraging his colleagues to back legislation defunding Planned Parenthood.
“We will not let Ted Cruz shut down this government over Planned Parenthood,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “He wants a fight over Planned Parenthood? My response is ‘Bring it on Ted!’”
The Republican attack on abortion rights in America shows no signs of stopping soon. The senate is expected to vote on a bill banning abortions after 20 weeks as soon as next week.
