Senate Chooses Politics Over Compassion in Week of Tragedy

Washington, DC -- Mere days after an unthinkable tragedy in Colorado Springs, CO, where three people were killed and nine others injured from a gunman at a Planned Parenthood health center, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) pushed through an ideologically driven budget reconciliation bill. 

The bill includes a measure “defunding” Planned Parenthood, which would block low-income patients from accessing basic preventive health care at Planned Parenthood health centers, and would repeal essential aspects of the Affordable Care Act. The White House has said the president will veto the bill. 

Statement from Dawn Laguens, Executive Vice President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“It seems implausible that less than a week after a tragic shooting at the Planned Parenthood health center in Colorado Springs some in Washington chose politics over compassion.

“What millions of people across this country needed in the wake of two unspeakable acts of violence this week, in Colorado and in California, was reassurance that lawmakers care about the lives, health and safety of the people they represent.

“What they got instead was the cold shoulder of indifference.

“There exists an extraordinary disconnect between the agenda and rhetoric of extreme politicians and the realities Americans face every day.  Whether it’s accessing reproductive health care free from fear of violence and harassment, or keeping our communities safe for everyone, it’s time for Congress to act. It is time to say ‘enough is enough’ to the indignity and violence suffered by those who seek reproductive health care,  those in the black community,  immigrants, refugees, and the transgender community.

“In spite of these political attacks, we’re focused on providing high-quality, compassionate health care to people all across this country. We won’t be deterred by violence, smear campaigns, or cynical political attacks like this.”

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With approximately 700 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.