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WASHINGTON – Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., today voted in favor of legislation that would temporarily bar federal taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood and strengthen protections for babies that survive abortion.  

“This is a very emotional issue for those of us who value life so much. In these days of 3-D ultrasounds and high-definition screens, it is impossible to hide the humanity of these child victims. They have fingers and toes, heartbeats and organs developed enough that tissue collectors will pay $60 a specimen for them,” said Foxx. “What is heartening, in the face of this contentious debate, is the principle that the truth always comes out. Abortionists can no longer hide in the dark back rooms of their facilities and sell unborn children piece by piece under an illusion that no one will ever know their crimes.”

H.R. 3134, the Defund Planned Parenthood Act, would place an immediate moratorium on all federal funding of Planned Parenthood for the span of one year while Congress conducts a full investigation into the organization’s activities. H.R. 3134 passed the House by a vote of 241-187. Americans can stay up-to-date on the House’s investigations into Planned Parenthood at http://www.gop.gov/solution_content/plannedparenthood/. 

“While Planned Parenthood does not receive direct federal funding for abortions, investigations are warranted, as a recent report from the Government Accountability Office shows that the organization receives an average of $500 million taxpayer dollars each year for other lines of business,” said Foxx during a speech on the House floor. “Money is fungible, and the federal funds that Planned Parenthood receives ultimately subsidize their abortion services. No organization that performs divisive practices like abortion, particularly in such a gruesome, profitable manner, should receive taxpayer dollars, and this legislation advances that principle.”

H.R. 3504, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, would require health care practitioners present at the time of birth to administer professional skill, care and diligence to preserve the life and health of the child who is born alive after a failed abortion attempt. H.R. 3504 passed the House by a vote of 248-177.

“This small, but important, step ensures the protection and preservation of precious, newborn life by providing for criminal penalties when that life is lost as a result of negligence,” said Foxx. “These tiny, vulnerable lives deserve the protection afforded all other persons under the law, and this bill ensures that their lives are protected.”

This week Foxx also joined three House colleagues in introducing H.R. 3515, the Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act, which would prohibit doctors from performing dismemberment abortions, which involves using steel tools to tear apart a well-developed unborn child by brute force.

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U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx represents North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District and is the elected Republican Conference Secretary. Dr. Foxx is the chair of the House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and serves as Vice Chair of the House Rules Committee.