Merkley Statement on Vote to Defund Planned Parenthood

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the U.S. Senate on Monday night defeated an effort to defund Planned Parenthood:

“Millions of women across America – including more than 60,000 each year in Oregon – rely on Planned Parenthood as an essential health care provider. Defunding Planned Parenthood means fewer women with access to lifesaving cancer screenings. It means fewer women being tested and treated for HIV and other serious diseases. And it means fewer women with access to reliable contraception and family planning — ultimately increasing unintended pregnancies and abortions.

“It’s good news that tonight’s attack on women’s health care failed, but sadly we know there will be more to come. Already, some Republicans are suggesting that we shut down the government rather than allow Planned Parenthood to continue providing essential health care in communities across the nation. We cannot allow this destructive, partisan brand of politics to prevail over common sense. I’ll keep standing up against attempts to defund women’s health care.”

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