Rep. Bishop Votes to Defund Planned Parenthood
WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Bishop (R-UT) released the following statement today after voting in favor H.R. 3134, the Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2015, which would cut off federal funding for Planned Parenthood for one year.
"I've always opposed federal dollars going to Planned Parenthood, so I'm proud of the House taking a stand to cut off these taxpayer funds. The recent revelations from the undercover videos and the absolute disregard for human life shown in them should be troubling to all of us. It's high time to cut off these funds and let the House investigations proceed."
Earlier this year, undercover videos created by the Center for Medical Progress showed high level staff from Planned Parenthood reportedly discussing the sale of body parts from aborted fetuses.
The House Committees on Energy and Commerce, the Judiciary, and Oversight and Government Reform are investigating questions raised by the videos.
Today's House bill prohibits any federal funds from being authorized or appropriated for one-year, for any purpose, to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., or any affiliate or clinic of that organization, unless such entities certify that those affiliates and clinics will not perform, and will not provide any funds to any other entity that performs an abortion during such period.
The bill provides an exception for an abortion if the pregnancy is the result of rape, incest, or in the case where a woman suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself.
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