Over the weekend Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) was asked if he supported abortion in cases where the unborn child has microcephaly as a result of the Zika virus. Sen. Rubio told Politico:
“I understand a lot of people disagree with my view – but I believe that all human life is worthy of protection of our laws. And when you present it in the context of Zika or any prenatal condition, it’s a difficult question and a hard one. But if I’m going to err, I’m going to err on the side of life.”
Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser responded today, saying:
“Senator Rubio is absolutely right. Zika should not be used as a springboard for a search-and-destroy mission against disabled babies. Rather, adults, children, and unborn children who are victims all deserve the same standard of care. Killing the patient is not medical treatment and we cannot make advances in medicine if we destroy patients before we find treatments for them. The United States strives to be a beacon for disability rights. To advocate abortion in cases of Zika and other prenatal diagnoses is a major step backwards for the rights of Americans with disabilities and a distraction from the urgent need to develop a vaccine or method to eliminate mosquitos carrying the virus.
“Democrats in Congress ought to be ashamed of themselves for exploiting a public health crisis to try to earmark donations for the nation’s largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood. Lining the pockets of their political allies is apparently more important than a timely response to Zika.
“Federal funding should go towards prevention of Zika, not elimination of its youngest victims. Additional funds can and should be set aside to assist families facing unusual medical or educational expenses to ameliorate the condition and help affected children achieve their full potential. Brazilian journalist Ana Caceres, who has microcephaly, is a beautiful example of how these children can indeed live and thrive.”
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