Funding for Planned Parenthood still exists, despite Republican actions to block it Thursday in the Senate, according to The Los Angeles Times. The Senate Democrats filibustered the bill, which came to a vote of 47-52. Eight Republicans joined the Democrats in the filibuster to keep funding available for Planned Parenthood, an organization that provides medical services to both men and women.
The government is facing a full shutdown Wednesday when the fiscal year ends. Republicans and Democrats have been unable to approve a budget that includes Planned Parenthood funding. A recent controversy has surrounded the organization for weeks, sparked by a series of controversial videos that appear to depict Planned Parenthood selling fetal tissues to research labs.
Planned Parenthood receives federal funding annually, which has become a point of contention in the federal government. However, federal funds are not used for abortions except in extreme situations, The LA Times reported.
Republicans refuse to pass a bill that includes funding for Planned Parenthood, but Democrats won't defund the organization. "I'm anxious to defund Planned Parenthood, but the honest answer of that is that's not going to happen until you have a president who has a similar view," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said, according to The Daily Caller.
Planned Parenthood has denied the allegations made in the controversial videos, according to The Guardian.
