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Planned Parenthood slams GOP convention speakers as 'anti-women's health'
Planned Parenthood's political arm had strong words ahead of the Republican National Convention's first speeches Tuesday.
The group painted the speakers, which include former Sen. Rick Santorum (Pa.) and Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, as a "'who's who' of anti-women's health politicians."
"The Republican platform and the speaker lineup for the Republican National Convention demonstrate a fundamental disregard for women and women’s health," said Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund (PPAF), in a statement.
Debates over abortion have been in the spotlight since Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.) commented that victims of "legitimate rape" rarely become pregnant. The GOP platform's abortion plank, which does not include an exception for rape victims, has also grabbed headlines.
PPAF noted that Santorum has spoken against birth control and abortion, even in cases of rape, and that McDonnell signed a mandatory ultrasound bill into law this year.
Tuesday's lineup also includes Govs. Chris Christie (N.J.), Scott Walker (Wis.) and Nikki Haley (S.C.), all of whom PPAF denounced for what it called their "deeply troubling records on women's health."
Randy Moody, who is co-chairman of Republicans for Planned Parenthood, said that party members who oppose the family-planning organization represent a "faction" that is "out of step with the majority of Republicans."
Planned Parenthood has been a target for members of the House GOP, who seek to end its public funding over abortion.
The first major speeches of the Republican convention will begin at 7 p.m., with remarks from Speaker John Boehner (Ohio).
