WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) released the following statement today after voting for S.1881, a bill that ensures funding for women’s health is protected while redirecting taxpayer dollars away from Planned Parenthood.

“I join citizens across the Volunteer State in being deeply disturbed by recent video footage that depicts Planned Parenthood executives discussing the organization’s practice of harvesting the organs of unborn children,” said Corker. “I am disappointed the Senate failed to advance this legislation, which would safeguard women’s health funding to ensure vital services are available to Tennesseans while redirecting taxpayer dollars away from Planned Parenthood.”

Corker is a cosponsor of S.1881. In addition to defunding Planned Parenthood, the legislation ensures the preservation of federal funding for women’s health services, including relevant diagnostic laboratory and radiology services, well-child care, prenatal and postpartum care, immunization, contraception, sexually transmitted disease testing, cervical and breast cancer screenings, and referrals. Funds no longer available to Planned Parenthood will continue to be offered to other eligible entities to provide such women’s health care services.

Corker is pro-life and has consistently opposed the use of taxpayer dollars to fund abortions. He has voted for measures to defund Planned Parenthood in the past and is an original cosponsor of legislation that would prohibit abortion after 20 weeks.

TN Senator Lamar Alexander also voted to defund Planned Parenthood as he also voted in 2011 when it came before the Senate.