On the recordSeptember 24, 2015
I rise once again to speak against this callous, misguided effort to defund Planned Parenthood. This is a clear case of politics being put ahead of the country's best interests. This time the majority has tied this effort to the funding of the entire Federal Government--they are willing to shut down the government over this issue. That is preposterous. Planned Parenthood serves some of the most vulnerable women in our society. It cares for 2.7 million patients in the U.S.--5 million patients worldwide. Ninety-seven percent of the services its 700 clinics provide are basic health care, including breast exams, cervical cancer screenings, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, and contraception. One in five women will use Planned Parenthood as their primary health care provider at some point in their lives. Nationwide, 80 percent of Planned Parenthood patients make less than $18,000 per year. Planned Parenthood is often the only health care option for low- income women and women in rural communities. And yet here we are, facing another effort by Republicans to block funding for this vital health care provider, an effort echoed and supported by Republicans who are running for President. Since this latest attack on Planned Parenthood began in July, I've received more than 25,000 calls and emails from women and men in California who support Planned Parenthood.…





