Rand Paul: ‘We Need to Be Talking About Planned Parenthood’

Sen. Rand Paul says it’s time to put the Democratic Party on the defensive when it comes to the fight over abortion and defunding Planned Parenthood.

“The abortion issue—for years and years, Republicans have kind of said, ‘Well, we’re kind of squeamish, we’re not going to get too involved in this.’ These videos have brought it to the forefront,” Paul tells The Daily Signal. “I’ve also been part of saying to the Democrats explain to me how a five-pound baby inside the womb has no rights when I’ve examined one-pound babies outside the womb and everybody says, ‘Oh, yes, that baby has rights.’ Well, how does a five-pound baby not have rights? That’s where the debate needs to be.”

With undercover videos showing Planned Parenthood officials discussing the sale of fetal tissue, there’s a movement by Senate and House Republicans to block any spending bill that continues to fund Planned Parenthood. The fiscal year ends on Oct. 1, so time is quickly running out to figure out a solution. Otherwise, money will run out for “non-essential” government agencies and personnel.

Speaker of the House John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have no desire for a government shutdown, fearing that the GOP will be blamed for it. Both leaders are trying to come up with a solution that will satisfy frustrated GOP lawmakers and continue to fund the government at the same time.

Paul says the GOP is winning the abortion fight, and they shouldn’t concede now.

“We need to be talking about Planned Parenthood, and to tell you the truth, the numbers shift on this when you’re talking about babies, third-trimester abortions, and you’re talking about harvesting organs and taxpayer dollars. Absolutely, the public is on our side, and we should stand and fight.”