A Democratic senator is breaking ranks and says he intends to support a bill to defund Planned Parenthood.
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) issues a statement today that said:
“I am very troubled by the callous behavior of Planned Parenthood staff in recently released videos, which casually discuss the sale, possibly for profit, of fetal tissue after an abortion.
“Until these allegations have been answered and resolved, I do not believe that taxpayer money should be used to fund this organization; instead those funds should be sent to other health care providers, including community health centers, which provide important women’s healthcare services.”
The Senate is scheduled to vote Monday evening on a bill introduced by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). Ernst’s legislation would end all federal funding of Planned Parenthood, but make those funds available to other health care clinics.
Manchin added:
“While my vote is one that will prevent taxpayers dollars from going to Planned Parenthood, I will remain committed to ensuring that all women in West Virginia and America receive the health care services they need.”
Manchin’s statement makes him the first Democratic senator to support defunding the organization. He is also the only Democrat, reports The Hill, to sign a letter urging the Department of Health and Human Services to comply with a congressional investigation into Planned Parenthood.
