said he opposes efforts to cut off funding for Planned Parenthood over a series of videos released by an anti-abortion group claiming to show Planned Parenthood officials negotiating sales of fetal tissue from abortions. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Dick Durbin)
By John Gregory/Illinois Radio Network
WASHINGTON – Efforts to cut off federal funding for Planned Parenthood are misguided, according to U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).
Several defunding measures have been brought up by members of Congress since an anti-abortion group called the Center for Medical Progress began releasing footage supposedly showing Planned Parenthood officials negotiating sales of fetal tissue from abortions.
Durbin was quick to point out federal funds aren’t used on abortions.
“Listen, make it clear: the laws of the United States of America say no federal tax dollars will be used for abortion purposes. Period. No ifs, ands, or buts about it,” Durbin said.
U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) is also against defunding the group, one of the few Republicans in Congress to publicly express that view.
