Senate Continues Political Attacks on Planned Parenthood Patients

Washington, DC -- Mere days after an unthinkable tragedy in Colorado Springs, 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) is expected to push through an ideologically-driven budget reconciliation bill. The bill includes a measure “defunding” Planned Parenthood which would block low-income patients from getting basic preventive health care at Planned Parenthood health centers, and would repeal essential aspects of the Affordable Care Act.

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

“What happened last Friday is a tragedy, and it is unconscionable that extreme politicians in Congress are doubling in their attacks on Planned Parenthood and the people who rely on us for preventive health care. Enough is enough.

“Planned Parenthood is proud to have leaders like Senators Patty Murray, Ron Wyden and Harry Reid, who stand up to strengthen access to health care rather than interfering with women’s access to preventive care.

“While politicians in Congress are right back at it attacking women’s health, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims who were killed or injured last week. We’re focused on providing high-quality, compassionate health care to people all across this country, and we won’t be deterred by violence, smear campaigns, or cynical political attacks like this. Women, men and young people deserve to be able to access reproductive health care free from violence, threats, or intimidation, and we’ll make sure they can get the care they need and deserve.”

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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.