
RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - It is a major development in Washington, The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to completely de-fund Planned Parenthood. Momentum in the fight to strip the organization's funding came after an activist group went into a local clinic and captured allegedly damning video.
Earlier this week NBC12 asked President Barack Obama if the video warranted a review of Planned Parenthood's funding. Funding which is now in danger.
It started at a clinic in Richmond, and ended on the floor of House. In an unprecedented vote, lawmakers passed a continuing resolution to de-fund Planned Parenthood.
Pro-life politicians have often gone after the abortion provider, while pro-choice politicians like President Obama have rushed to its defense. In our exclusive interview, the President deflected the impact of the video sting.
"I think sometimes these issues get manufactured," he said "they get a lot of attention in the blogosphere."
For LiveAction, the group behind the video, that attention is warranted.
"We applaud those in Congress who championed the safety of women, young girls and children today," wrote Lila Rose, the President of LiveAction "The case to cease funding is crystal clear."
Meanwhile Planned Parenthood seemed ready for the threat to its funding. Paulette McElwain, the president of the organization's Virginia chapter said, "The outcome of this vote is radically out of step with mainstream American values and it is out of line with the issues voters want Congress to focus on."
Governor Bob McDonnell, a pro-life Republican, said the video should be taken seriously.
"The key question here is, was the behavior of this Planned Parenthood employee appropriate? And if not, disciplinary action should be taken."
Meanwhile the President believes the group's work speaks for itself.
"You know my bottom line is I think that Planned Parenthood in the past has done good work. If there was a specific problem at this center, it should be addressed, but we shouldn't get so distracted with some of these issues."
While Planned Parenthood is taking the vote seriously, it still has the support of the President and the democratic Senate.
You can see more on this controversial issue on our political blog, DecisionVirginia.com.
Copyright 2011 WWBT NBC12. All rights reserved.
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