Clinton: ‘I Defend and I Will Continue to Defend Planned Parenthood’

CLINTON: “I think what the Republicans are doing is trying to enflame their base against Planned Parenthood which they have done now for years and to hold out the threat of shutting down the government if the funding for Planned Parenthood is not shut off from the federal government.

“I defend and I will continue to defend Planned Parenthood, because services that Planned Parenthood provides are broad, and necessary for millions of American women. Five hundred thousand breast screening exams, a lot of other screening programs that are carried out. Family planning and contraceptive testing for HIV AIDS.

“The Republican have made it clear in recent years that they are not only opposed to abortion, which they have been for quite some time. They’re increasingly opposed to family planning and contraception. This is a direct assault on a woman’s right to choose health care. Forget about abortion, which is something that a limited number of Planned Parenthood facilities perform, with not a penny of federal money.

“The money they want to cut off – from the Republican advocacy -- is money that goes to health services. That is why it’s important that we continue to try to educate the public and draw a very clear line in defense of Planned Parenthood.”