Section Highlights:
Rubio Said The Overturning Of Roe Was “Long Overdue.” According to an Op-Ed by Rubio in the Washington Examiner, “Any day now, the Supreme Court will release its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization , and it just might mean the end of Roe v. Wade . That end is long overdue. Abortion violates the most fundamental human right — the right to life — and requiring its legalization was never constitutional.” [Op-Ed – Marco Rubio, Washington Examiner, 6/24/22]
Rubio Said Overturning Roe “Was Right Constitutionally And Morally.” According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a statement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and Casey v. Planned Parenthood, giving elected officials in state legislatures around the country, along with the federal government, the ability to enact policies that protect the life of unborn Americans. ‘Today’s decision by the Supreme Court to allow states to regulate abortion was right constitutionally and morally,’ Rubio said. ‘For nearly half a century, a nation founded on God-given rights denied those rights to its most vulnerable citizens and more than 63 million Americans never got the chance to pursue their dreams,’ Rubio continued.” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 6/24/22]
Rubio Said The Supreme Court Was Correct To Overturn Roe. According to a tweet from Rubio’s personal account, “Today the Supreme Court correctly returned the power to regulate abortion to the states. I will soon introduce a proposal to support mothers and their babies so that every child has a real opportunity to pursue the promise of America.” [Twitter - @marcorubio, 6/24/22]
Rubio Claimed “Nothing Has Been Banned” Following Overturning Of Roe. According to a transcript of Rubio’s appearance on Fox News’ Hannity, “SEN. MARCO RUBIO (R-FL): Well, what we've seen over the last few hours is how unfortunately American political coverage has become childish and unserious, and that's exactly what they're telling people. They make you think -- if you watch some of these tweets and you see some of this reporting, you think abortion has been banned. Nothing has been banned. The only thing the Supreme Court did today is they said, that under the Constitution, the people in the states have the right to decide via and through their elected representatives in each individual state, whether they want to allow abortion, prohibit it and how they want to regulate it. That was the decision that was made today. And that's what we're talking about here now.” [Nexis – Fox News, 6/24/22]
Rubio Said It Was Tragic That There Was Not An Abortion Ban. According to a transcript of Rubio’s appearance on Fox News’ Hannity, “RUBIO: Yeah, they can't run on saying to people that abortion is still tragically, there are still abortions today. Tragically, there will be abortions tomorrow because abortion is not banned. They can't run on that. So they have to lie to people and say, it was just a ruling that bans it -- almost bans it. That's what they're telling people, when in fact, the ruling today -- and this is what they can't run on -- is to tell the people that the Supreme Court ruled that you through your elected representatives in the state you live will get to decide the state law about abortion. They can't run on that. So, they have to lie and tell people to go out and take to the streets.” [Nexis – Fox News, 6/24/22]
Rubio Said Liberals Did Not Want To Have To Justify Supporting Abortion Rights. According to a transcript of Rubio’s appearance on Fox News’ Hannity, “The reason they're having this left-wing meltdown, there's two reasons why. The first is, as long as they had Roe v. Wade, they didn't have to worry about having that debate. They didn't have to go out there and have to argue and justify why they think, for example, that abortion should be taxpayer-funded and legal up until the moment of birth. They didn't want to have that argument or have to worry about having that argument.” [Nexis – Fox News, 6/24/22]
Rubio Said Roe “Imposed A Standard, A Law On The Entire Country Without Any Way To Be Able To Do Anything About It.” According to a transcript of Rubio’s appearance on Fox News’ Hannity, “The second reason why they're melting down is because Roe actually imposed a standard, a law on the entire country without any way to be able to do anything about it. They loved that situation that they're in.” [Nexis – Fox News, 6/24/22]
Rubio Claimed Democrats Believe Overturning Roe Will Make Voters Forget What An Incompetent Presidency We're Under.” According to a transcript of Rubio’s appearance on Fox News’ Hannity, “And the third is politics. I think Act Blue tonight announced they've raised $18 million off of this. The Democrats think this is going to turn out a bunch of voters and help them forget what an incompetent presidency we're under.” [Nexis – Fox News, 6/24/22]
Rubio Called Protests Against Overturning Roe In Blue Areas “The Irony In All Of This.” According to a transcript of Rubio’s appearance on Fox News’ Hannity, “And so, those of the three reasons here, but here's the irony as you're showing these images, okay? We are seeing massive protests -- Los Angeles, New York, D.C. -- these are liberal cities led by liberal leaders and liberal states that are never going to ban abortion. So, they're going to tear down, potentially commit acts of violence in places where abortion will always be legal as long as it's in the hands of the states because they're -- these are liberal places. That's the irony of all of this.” [Nexis – Fox News, 6/24/22]
Rubio Called Roe V. Wade An "Egregiously Flawed Supreme Court Decision.” According to Bloomberg, “At the National Right to Life Convention on Friday, Florida Senator Marco Rubio touted his opposition to abortion rights, long a prerequisite for being a viable Republican presidential candidate. Speaking to the crowd in New Orleans, he hit all the necessary notes — legal abortion is ‘the taking of innocent life on a massive scale’; Roe v. Wade was an ‘egregiously flawed Supreme Court decision’; the case for abortion rights is ‘indefensible.’” [Bloomberg, 7/10/15]
Rubio Called The Case For Abortion Rights “Indefensible.” According to Bloomberg, “At the National Right to Life Convention on Friday, Florida Senator Marco Rubio touted his opposition to abortion rights, long a prerequisite for being a viable Republican presidential candidate. Speaking to the crowd in New Orleans, he hit all the necessary notes — legal abortion is ‘the taking of innocent life on a massive scale’; Roe v. Wade was an ‘egregiously flawed Supreme Court decision’; the case for abortion rights is ‘indefensible.’” [Bloomberg, 7/10/15]
[Video] Rubio: “I Don’t Think Roe V. Wade Is Constitutionally Solvent.” From a 2015 conversation, “Host: You think Roe V. Wade should be overturned correct?” Marco Rubio: Just on legal fronts, I don’t think Roe V. Wade Is constitutionally solvent. Host: And ergo should be overturned? Rubio: Yes.” [Yahoo Screen, 1/12/15]
Rubio Advocated To Overturn Roe V. Wade Saying, “Unborn Children Have The Right To Live.” According to the Weekly Standard, “Crist’s vulnerabilities with conservatives go beyond fiscal issues. In March, he appointed a liberal judge to the state supreme court. Last year, Crist told National Review that he’s ‘pro-life’ but doesn’t think Roe v. Wade should be overturned, and he couldn’t name a single restriction on abortion he would call for in Florida. Rubio thinks Roe should be overturned on constitutional and moral grounds; he says simply: ‘Unborn children have the right to live.'” [Weekly Standard, 5/18/09]
2005: Rubio: “Roe V. Wade Is A Constitutional Stretch,” “Legally Flawed.” During an interview with Florida Bar News, Rubio was asked, “The Christian Family Coalition gave you a 100 percent approval rating for your pro-life and pro-family philosophies. Is that something you are proud of?” Rubio answered, “I am, on two grounds. Again, I don’t know what the legislative role is in this, because it’s been decided at the federal level. But from a legal perspective, I think that Roe v. Wade is a constitutional stretch. I understand why it was done politically. It’s a very divisive issue. I’ve never changed anyone’s mind on it. And I can’t imagine anyone changing my mind on how I feel about abortion. But I think it is legally flawed. I don’t think there is an existing constitutional protection. Now, if someone wants to amend the constitution to create one, I think that is valid. If they want to do that, I disagree, but I think that is valid. If they statutorily want to create that, that is free, as well. I don’t believe the privacy clause of the constitution, however, could be expanded to include abortion. So I have problems with it constitutionally. And I have personal views about abortion.” [Florida Bar News, 4/1/05, Pg. 1 (2) Vol. 32 No. 7]
CNN: “Rubio Says He Opposes Abortion In All Instances.” According to CNN, “Florida Sen. Marco Rubio says he opposes abortion in all instances – but he’d support legislation that includes exceptions in cases such as rape, incest and when the life of the mother is threatened, and he has no problem with contraception. The Republican presidential contender was asked Sunday on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press’ about his comment in Thursday night’s debate that ‘all human life is worthy of protection, irrespective of the circumstances in which that human life was created.’ Rubio said Sunday that he will support ‘any legislation that reduces the number of abortions.’” [CNN, 8/9/15]
2021: Rubio Announced Co-Sponsorship Of Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “Rubio announced he was co-sponsoring 10 anti abortion bills. Those bills include: […] Senator Lindsey Graham’s (R-SC) bill would amend the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus is 20 weeks or more.” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 1/29/21]
2015: Rubio Supported A National Ban On Abortions After 20 Weeks Of Pregnancy. According to Politico, “Republicans are more united than they have been in years on a national strategy to roll back abortion rights, using state legislatures and the new GOP Congress to push for banning the procedure after 20 weeks of pregnancy — a platform that also has the backing of the party’s presidential candidates. [...] And eight major potential Republican presidential hopefuls are on board with the national ban, cementing the party’s abortion plank long before primary season. Besides Bush and Paul, that list includes Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida and Ted Cruz of Texas, Govs. Mike Pence of Indiana and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and former Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas. Huckabee and Bush are the two candidates who have taken the most concrete steps toward running.” [Politico, 1/12/15]
Bill Would Sentence Doctors To Up To Five Years In Jail For Violating The Ban. According to Congressional Quarterly, “The bill imposes criminal penalties on physicians who violate the ban, with violations subject to a maximum five-year jail sentence, fines or both. It prohibits the prosecution of the woman obtaining the abortion, however, either as the perpetrator or as a conspirator to violate the ban.” [Congressional Quarterly, 5/12/15]
2014: Rubio Cosponsored The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act To Create A 20-Week Abortion Ban. According to a press release from the office of Senator Rubio, “As an original co-sponsor of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (S.1670), I was disappointed that Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Democrats blocked today’s attempt to bring this compassionate and reasonable legislation to the floor for a vote. S.1670 would protect unborn babies beginning at 20 weeks – more than halfway through pregnancy – when science reveals that they can feel excruciating pain. […]I am proud to be joining Senator Lindsey Graham and 39 of my colleagues in the Senate in strongly supporting the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. I hope the Majority Leader will reconsider and allow this legislation to be considered on the floor.” [Office of Senator Rubio, 5/13/14]
The Legislation Required Rape And Incest To Be Reported To Law Enforcement Prior To The Abortion. According to Congress.gov, “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit any person from performing or attempting to perform an abortion except in conformity with this Act's requirements. Requires the physician to first determine the probable post-fertilization age of the unborn child, or reasonably rely upon such a determination made by another physician, by making inquiries of the pregnant woman and performing such medical examinations and tests as a reasonably prudent physician would consider necessary. Prohibits the abortion from being performed if the probable post-fertilization age of the unborn child is 20 weeks or greater, except: (1) where necessary to save the life of a pregnant woman whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, illness, or injury, excluding psychological or emotional conditions; or (2) where the pregnancy is the result of rape, or the result of incest against a minor, if the rape has been reported at any time prior to the abortion to an appropriate law enforcement agency, or if the incest has been reported at any time prior to the abortion to an appropriate law enforcement agency or to a government agency legally authorized to act on reports of child abuse or neglect.” [Congress.gov, 11/7/13]
2013: Rubio Cosponsored 2013 Version Of The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. [congress.gov, 11/7/13]
Rubio Announced Co-Sponsorship Of Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “Rubio announced he was co-sponsoring 10 anti abortion bills. Those bills include: […] Senator Ben Sasse’s (R-NE) bill would extend legal protection to an infant born alive after a failed attempt at an induced abortion. This legislation ensures all newborns are given the same level of necessary care they deserve.” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 1/29/21]
Huffington Post: Rubio Argued The Constitution Allows The President To Outlaw Abortion. According to the Huffington Post, “Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) found one thing they could agree on during Thursday’s Republican presidential debate: They both believe the Constitution already gives the president the power to outlaw abortion. Their view is a minority one in the legal community that is out of sync with the overwhelming consensus on constitutional interpretation.” [Huffington Post, 8/7/15]
2010: Rubio Indicated Support For A Constitutional Amendment Banning Abortion Without Rape Or Incest Exceptions. According to the National Pro-Life Alliance 2010 Congressional Candidate Survey, “Will you support an amendment to the U.S. Constitution banning abortion except to prevent the death of the mother? [Rubio]: Yes.” [National Pro-Life Alliance 2010 Congressional Candidate Survey, 7/6/10]
[Video] Rubio Said The Hobby Lobby Ruling Was Not A “Political Winner” For Democrats Because It Protected Religious Freedom. From an interview Rubio did on the Hugh Hewitt show, “It’s no longer about whether people have the freedom to live life as they choose. It’s now become about defining certain cultural values as unacceptable, traditional cultural values. And that’s what we’ve gotten to with what’s happening here. Okay, no matter how you may feel about any given issue, the one Constitutional principle that we have had in this country, among others, is not just the ability to attend a church, but the ability to live out in your life, in every aspect of your life, the teachings of your faith. And that’s what’s being protected here, and that’s what he seeks to undermine, is the ability of, if you go back to the Hobby Lobby case, it involves the owners of a family business, a large one, but a family business nonetheless, who personally, on a spiritual and moral principle, objected to paying for, they don’t, they cannot prohibit their employees from buying something. They’re not trying to prohibit or outlaw contraception. They simply don’t want to be forced to pay for something that their faith teaches violates a moral principle. That’s it. […] And if you start to think about, and you extend this forward a number of years, you could reach a point in this country where what you teach from the pulpit could be sanctioned, could be condefmned, could be criticized. The tenets of a faith could be attacked and so forth, even in a church and so forth, because I don’t think your faith ends at the end of the worship service. If you truly want to live your faith, especially the Christian faith, it impacts every aspect of your life where you work, how you raise your family, and certainly how you worship as well. And there are protections for that in this country and our Constitution that he seeks to ignore. And I think they think they have a political winner. I disagree.” [Hugh Hewitt, 7/11/14; 140714_EW_283_A]
Rubio Said That The Supreme Court Hobby Lobby Case Was “One Of The Most Pivotal Cases On Religious Liberty In The Modern History Of Our Country.” According to a press release from the Office of Senator Marco Rubio, “Today, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in one of the most pivotal cases on religious liberty in the modern history of our country. Three companies – including Hobby Lobby, Mardel’s Books and Conestoga Wood Specialties – are taking a stand against Obamacare and its requirement that all employers include contraception in their employee health plan. While these companies are leading the charge here, this case will ultimately impact many more businesses and organizations.” [Office of Senator Marco Rubio – Press Release, 3/25/14]
Rubio Warned That Religious Liberty And Other Freedoms Were At Risk In Contraception Mandate. According to RedState, “The broader lesson for all Americans is that even under purportedly noble intentions – in this case the desire to give more Americans access to health care – big government often overreaches and endangers the individual liberties of all Americans. Some Americans may not value religious liberty or believe it is especially relevant to their lives. But all Americans should recognize that if government overreach is allowed to threaten religious liberty today, other liberties are not too far behind.” [RedState, 7/15/14]
Rubio Said The Hobby Lobby Ruling Did Not Hinder Women’s Access To Contraception. According to RedState, “It should be clear to all Americans that no part of the recent Hobby Lobby decision will in any way threaten the rights of Americans to seek out their own health care options, and no part of the decision will in anyway threaten women’s access to contraception.” [RedState, 7/15/14]
[Video] Rubio If Hobby Lobby Case Were “About Being Able To Fire People That Work For Them Who Use Contraception, That Would Be A Different Story.” “If this was a case about Hobby Lobby being able to fire people that work for them who use contraception, that would be a different story. That’s not what we’re talking about here..” [Hugh Hewitt, 7/11/14; 140714_EW_283_A]
2014: Rubio Effectively Voted Against Barring For-Profit Employers From Excluding Contraception, Or Any Other Federally Required Coverage, From The Health Coverage They Provide Their Employees. In July 2014, Rubio effectively voted against a bill that, according to Congressional Quarterly, “would prohibit employers from refusing to cover contraception or any other type of health coverage guaranteed under federal law for their employees and dependents. It includes language that would ensure that exemptions for places of worship and religiously-affiliated nonprofit organizations remain in place.” The vote was on a motion to end debate on a motion to proceed to consider the bill, which required 60 votes to succeed. The Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 56 to 43. [Senate Vote 228, 7/16/14; Congressional Quarterly, 7/16/14]
2014: Rubio Joined A Group Of 89 Members Of Congress In Submitting An Amicus Brief To The U.S. Supreme Court, Asking It To Strike Down The Provision Requiring Employers To Provide Contraceptive Coverage For Their Employees. According to a press release from the office of Senator Marco Rubio, “In light of today’s Supreme Court oral arguments on the Hobby Lobby case, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement defending religious liberty: […] ‘I was proud to join with 88 members of Congress, of both political parties, in an amicus brief submitted in this case. That brief clearly demonstrates the long-held American tradition of respecting religious freedom, from the First Amendment to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. I hope, and I pray, that the Supreme Court will uphold that tradition in this case by ruling in favor of religious liberty.” [Official Website of Senator Marco Rubio, 3/25/14]
March 2014: Rubio Said That The Contraceptive Mandate Forced Businesses To Choose Between “Business Or Their Conscience.” According to a press release from the Office of Senator Marco Rubio, “Additionally, through the contraceptive mandate, Obamacare risks inflicting damage on the First Amendment right of our people to practice their faiths openly. By compelling employers to act against their faiths, this law insinuates that the practice of one’s religious beliefs is not applicable in a business setting, particularly if it runs counter to the norms sanctioned by the federal government. In sum, for people with deeply held religious beliefs, Obamacare forces them to choose between their business or their conscience.” [Office of Senator Marco Rubio – Press Release, 3/25/14]
February 2012: Rubio Introduced A Bill To Allow An Exception To Mandated Contraceptive Coverage For Religious Reasons
2012: Rubio Introduced Religious Freedom Restoration Act. According to the Pensacola News Journal, Rubio introduced the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2012 (RFRA), which would repeal the requirement in the Affordable Care Act requiring employers offer coverage for contraceptives, if the employer had a religious objection. In a statement, Rubio said, “The Obama Administration's obsession with forcing mandates on the American people has now reached a new low by violating the conscience rights and religious liberties of our people.” [Pensacola News Journal, 2/1/12]
Rubio Claimed Women Could Buy Their Own Birth Control Or Find A New Job
Rubio On His Contraception Mandate Bill: “If An Employee Asks For Birth Control, That Worker Could Pay For It Themselves Or Choose To Work Elsewhere.” In the Tampa Bay Times, Rubio wrote, “The editorial against my bill to protect religious freedom against an unconstitutional Obama administration overreach was blatantly misleading. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2012 would insert a conscience clause to effectively repeal the new Obamacare mandate forcing most church-affiliated organizations to offer employees private insurance coverage with-out out-of-pocket charges for birth control, something they object to on moral grounds. Without this exception, their religious liberties and conscience rights are being violated. To be clear, this bill does not forbid women from pursuing these products. If an employee asks for birth control, that worker could pay for it themselves or choose to work elsewhere. What it does forbid is government from forcing religious entities to provide them. Contrary to your editorial, I am not imposing my beliefs on anyone. The culprit here is the Obama administration, which has decided to impose its ideological beliefs on faith-based institutions that have a First Amendment right not to offer birth control to workers.” [Tampa Bay Times, 2/3/12]
Rubio Cast The Contraceptive Mandate As An Unconstitutional Overreach By The Obama Administration
Rubio: “As Americans, We Should All Be Appalled By An Activist Government… That It Forces Such A Choice On Religious Institutions.” According to the Miami Herald, Rubio wrote, “From a practical standpoint, this will force Catholic organizations to make an unacceptable choice: Ignore a major tenet of their faith, or not provide any insurance to their employees and be punished with a federal fine for violating ObamaCare's mandate on employers. As Americans, we should all be appalled by an activist government so overbearing and so obsessed with forcing mandates on the American people that it forces such a choice on religious institutions.” [Miami Herald, 2/5/12]
[Video] Rubio Said A Contraception Mandate Would Lead To “All Kinds Of Other Absurd Results.” “This is about whether the government of the United States should have the power to go in and tell a faith-based organization that they have to pay for something that they teach their members shouldn't be doing. It's that simple. And if the answer is yes, then we can read all -- then we're going to -- then this government can reach all kinds of other absurd results. I think the vast majority of Americans, whether they're on the left or the right, would tell you that the government of the United States should not have the power to be able to go in and tell a church-based organization that they must pay for something that that faith teaches their members not to do. And that's what this issue's about.” [Marco Rubio, Senate GOP Press Conference, Washington, DC, 2/8/12; 120208_WU_496_A]
[Video] Rubio On RFRA: “We Either Believe In Our Constitution Or We Don’t.” “Greta Van Sustern: All right, there are a lot of people who are upset about this, obviously. In fact, even some of the col-leagues in the U.S. Senate disagree with you, Senator McCaskill, who's a Democrat but a Catholic -- she is supporting the president's bill. What do you say to her? Marco Rubio: I say that it violates the Constitution. I mean, we -- you -- listen, we either believe in our Constitution or we don't. And the Constitution says that religious organizations are protected in their expression of religious beliefs. And if you go in and use the power of the federal government to force a religion to pay for something that the religion teaches is wrong, then you've violated that principle. You basically -- using that logic, you can force them to do all kinds of things because you think it's a good idea.” [“On the Record with Greta Van Sustern,” Fox News, 2/8/12; 120208_M4_4287_RUBIO]
2013: Rubio Voted To Support Allowing Employers To Claim Exemptions To ACA’s Provisions On Health Care And Contraception Coverage On The Basis Of Religious And Moral Objections. In March 2013, Rubio voted for an amendment that, according to the National Law Review, “would allow employers to opt out of contraception coverage on moral grounds.” According to the Congressional Record, the purpose of the amendment was to “establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund to protect women's access to health care, including primary and preventive care, in a manner consistent with protecting rights of conscience.” The vote was on an amendment to the Senate version of the fiscal year 2014 budget resolution. The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 44 to 55. [Senate Vote 55, 3/22/13; Congressional Record, 3/22/13; National Law Review, 3/25/13]
2013: Rubio Voted To Oppose Protecting ACA’s Health Care And Contraception Coverage Provisions For Women. In March 2013, Rubio voted against an amendment that, according to The Hill’s Floor Action Blog, would “protect women’s healthcare coverage and employer-provided contraceptive coverage authorized under the Affordable Care Act.” According to the Congressional Record, the purpose of the amendment was to “establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund to protect women’s access to health care, including primary and preventative health care, family planning and birth control, and employer-provided contraceptive coverage, such as was provided under the Affordable Care Act.” The vote was on an amendment to the Senate version of the fiscal year 2014 budget resolution. The Senate adopted the amendment by a vote of 56 to 43. The underlying budget resolution later passed the Senate, but Congress had taken no further action on it as of September, 2013. [Senate Vote 54, 3/22/13; The Hill’s Floor Action Blog, 3/22/13; Congressional Record, 3/21/13; Congressional Actions, S.Con.Res. 8]
2012: Rubio Effectively Voted For The Blunt Amendment, Which Would Have Allowed Employers And Insurance Companies To Avoid ACA Requirements They Found Morally Objectionable. In March 2012, Rubio effectively voted for the Blunt Amendment that, according to CNN Wire, “would establish that an entity refusing coverage on religious or moral grounds is not in violation of the law.” The vote was on a motion to table the amendment, with 48 senators voting against the motion – keeping the amendment alive – and 51 senators voting for the motion. [Senate Vote 24, 3/1/12; CNN Wire, 3/1/12]
March 2012: Rubio Expressed Disappointment With The Failure Of Senator Blunt’s Amendment, Which Would Have No Longer Required Businesses To Provide Contraceptive Coverage Under Obamacare. According to a press release from the office of Senator Marco Rubio, “U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement after today’s vote on the Blunt Amendment: ‘The Senate’s failure to pass Senator Blunt’s amendment is a setback for religious freedoms in America. We must stop the unconstitutional mandate under Obamacare that requires church-affiliated organizations to offer their workers private-insurance coverage without out-of-pocket charges for birth control, something they are morally opposed to. Telling religious based organizations that they must, by mandate of the federal government, pay for things that that religion teaches is wrong. You may not agree with what the religion believes, but that’s not the point. The point is the First Amendment still applies. Religious freedom still exists.” [Official Website of Senator Marco Rubio, 3/1/12]
Rubio Was Original Co-Sponsor Of Blunt Amendment To Allow Employers And Insurers To Deny Coverage On Moral Or Religious Grounds. According to the Tampa Bay Times, Rubio was an original co-sponsor of the “Blunt amendment” to the Affordable Care Act that would have allowed employers to deny coverage, particularly for contraception, on moral or religious grounds. The amendment failed. In a statement, Rubio said, “The Senate's failure to pass Senator Blunt's amendment is a setback for religious freedoms in America. We must stop the unconstitutional mandate under Obamacare that requires church-affiliated organizations to offer their workers private-insurance coverage without out-of-pocket charges for birth control, something they are morally opposed to. Telling religious based organizations that they must, by mandate of the federal government, pay for things that that religion teaches is wrong. You may not agree with what the religion believes, but that's not the point. The point is the First Amendment still applies. Religious freedom still exists.” [Tampa Bay Times, 3/1/12]
February 2012: Rubio Argued Against Requiring “Faith-Based Organizations” To Provide Health Insurance Plans That Cover Contraception For Their Employees. According to a press release by the office of Senator Marco Rubio, “U.S. Senator Marco Rubio delivered the following remarks today during a press conference with his Republican colleagues: ‘This is very straight forward. This is about whether the government of the United States should have the power to go in and tell a faith-based organization that they have to pay for something that they teach their members shouldn’t be doing. It’s that simple, and if the answer is yes, then this government can reach all kinds of other absurd results. I think the vast majority of Americans, whether on the left or the right, will tell you that the government of the United States should not have the power to be able to go in and tell a church-based organization that they must pay for something that that faith teaches their members not to do.” [Official Website of Senator Marco Rubio, 2/8/12]
February 2012: Rubio Publicized His Introduction Of The Religious Freedom Restoration Act Of 2012, Which He Said Would Ensure That “The Government Can’t Force Religious Organizations To Abandon The Fundamental Tenets Of Their Faith.” According to an opinion by Marco Rubio, “Despite our deeply rooted heritage of religious liberty, the Obama administration recently issued a mandate under Obamacare that will require church-affiliated organizations to offer their workers private-insurance coverage without out-of-pocket charges for birth control, something they are morally opposed to. In doing so, the administration ignored efforts by numerous faith-based organizations to be granted an exemption on religious grounds. From a practical standpoint, this will force Catholic organizations to make an unacceptable choice: Ignore a major tenet of their faith, or not provide any insurance to their employees and be punished with a federal fine for violating Obamacare’s mandate on employers. […] In response, I have introduced the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2012, a bill to establish a firm religious exemption to this insurance requirement under Obamacare. It’s a narrowly focused, common-sense measure that simply says the government can’t force religious organizations to abandon the fundamental tenets of their faith.” [Marco Rubio – New York Post, 2/3/12]
January 2012: Rubio Publicized His Introduction Of The Religious Freedom Restoration Act Of 2012, Which Was Intended To Repeal The Mandate Requiring Employers To Offer Insurance That Covers Contraception. According to a press release by the office of Senator Marco Rubio, “U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today introduced the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2012, a bill to repeal a new Obamacare mandate that violates the religious liberties and conscience rights of faith-based institutions by forcing them to offer employees insurance coverage for contraceptives. Earlier this month, the Department of Health and Human Services finalized a new mandate that would require most church-affiliated organizations to offer their workers private insurance coverage without out-of-pocket charges for birth control.” [Official Website of Senator Marco Rubio, 1/31/12]
2012: Rubio: “Government Can’t Force Religious Organizations To Abandon The Fundamental Tenets Of Their Faith Because The Government Says So.” According to a press release by the office of Senator Marco Rubio, “‘The Obama Administration’s obsession with forcing mandates on the American people has now reached a new low by violating the conscience rights and religious liberties of our people,’ said Rubio. ‘Under this President, we have a government that has grown too big, too costly and now even more overbearing by forcing religious entities to abandon their beliefs. This is a common sense bill that simply says the government can’t force religious organizations to abandon the fundamental tenets of their faith because the government says so.” [Official Website of Senator Marco Rubio, 1/31/12]
2012: Rubio Introduced Religious Freedom Restoration Act. According to the Pensacola News Journal, Rubio introduced the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2012 (RFRA), which would repeal the requirement in the Affordable Care Act requiring employers offer coverage for contraceptives, if the employer had a religious objection. In a statement, Rubio said, “The Obama Administration's obsession with forcing mandates on the American people has now reached a new low by violating the conscience rights and religious liberties of our people.” [Pensacola News Journal, 2/1/12]
Rubio: Obama Administration Believes They “Can Force You To Do It Because [They] Know What’s Best.” In an interview on Fox News’ On The Record With Greta Van Susteren, Rubio said, “You now have the federal government basically saying under this administration that if we think something is a good idea -- meaning we the Obama administration -- it doesn't matter what a religion teaches. We can force you to do it because we know what's best, and we're more important than you. Our policy positions, the policy positions of the Obama administration, are more important than your constitutional protections. If that's the logic that they're using to reach this conclusion, you can start applying that to a whole bunch of religions and all kinds of other faith systems. And then what is the constitutional protection worth? So we have to be very careful about this, and I hope they'll reconsider.” [Fox News, On The Record With Greta Van Susteren, 2/8/12]
And Claimed His Bill Protected Exercise Of Religion
Rubio: RFRA A Reaction To Administration’s “Disdain” For Religious Liberty. In an op-ed for the Boston Herald, Rubio wrote, “This sad episode is a reminder that while America has always been a force for freedom at home and abroad, the dangers of an overreaching government are not merely confined to the economic and national-security spheres. Our commitment to religious freedom is part of what makes Americans exceptional. It's something that unites us as a people, across the political spectrum. That's because if there's something liberals and conservatives should be able to agree on, it's that religious liberty rights enshrined in the Constitution trump this administration's disdain for them. President Barack Obama has gone too far. He should admit his mistake, provide this religious exemption and reaffirm America's commitment to religious liberty.” [Boston Herald, 2/7/12]
Rubio: “Churches Should Have A Right To Express Themselves.” According to the Miami Herald, “Rubio explained his bill to repeal federal law requiring religiously-affiliated institutions to provide contraception in their employees’ health care coverage, saying “We're not banning contraception, and we're not even asking that the churches be told that they can't fund this stuff. All we're saying is that if the tents of their faith are such that they say a specific activity of their faith is something they shouldn't do, the federal government shouldn't use its power to force them to pay for that. That's all we're saying.” [Miami Herald, 2/8/12]
Rubio Praised Administration’s Changes To The Mandate
Rubio Urged The Obama Administration To Reconsider Contraception Mandate. According to The Hill, “Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) also urged the president to reconsider. ‘The solution is for the president to just come back and say, “You know what, maybe we overreached, maybe we went too far; we've heard from a lot of people and we're going to reconsider this decision,”’ Rubio said. ‘There's nothing wrong with that. We have plenty of other issues to argue with this president about.’” [The Hill, 2/9/12]
2010: Rubio Indicated Support For A Constitutional Amendment Banning Abortion Without Rape Or Incest Exceptions. According to the National Pro-Life Alliance 2010 Congressional Candidate Survey, “Will you support an amendment to the U.S. Constitution banning abortion except to prevent the death of the mother? [Rubio]: Yes.” [National Pro-Life Alliance 2010 Congressional Candidate Survey, 7/6/10]
2010: Rubio Indicated His Support For Federal Legislation Without Rape And Incest Abortion Exceptions. According to the National Pro-Life Alliance 2010 Congressional Candidate Survey, “Will you support federal legislation giving parents the right to stop any abortion from being performed on their minor daughter, except to prevent the death of the mother? [Rubio]: Yes.” [National Pro-Life Alliance 2010 Congressional Candidate Survey, 7/6/10]
In 2010, Rubio Indicated On A National Right To Life Committee Questionnaire That He Opposed Abortion, Even In Cases Of Rape And Incest, But Supported Exceptions For The Life Of A Mother. According to Washington Post, “When he ran for the Senate in 2010, Rubio answered a questionnaire from the National Right to Life Committee by declaring his opposition to abortion, including in the cases of rape and incest (he does believe in an exception for the life of the mother). He’s always received a 100 percent rating from that group and a zero percent rating on Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s congressional scorecard.” [Washington Post, 8/13/15]
NBC News: Rubio Argued That His Support For Legislation Containing Exceptions For Abortion Is Consistent With His Claim That He Never “Advocated” For Exceptions, Because He Never Required That Legislation “Must Have Or Not Have Exceptions.” According to NBC News, “Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., on Sunday attempted to clarify the confusing comments he made about abortion this past Thursday during the first Republican debate. ‘I’ll support any legislation that reduces the number of abortions,’ he told Meet the Press host Chuck Todd. ‘And there are those that have that exception. What I’ve never done is said I require that it must have or not have exceptions.’ The exceptions he referred to were in the case of rape, incest or the health of the mother. During last week’s debate, Rubio was asked about his decision to support legislation for abortion that contained exceptions for rape and incest. He responded, ‘I have never said that and I have never advocated that.’” [NBC News, 8/9/15]
PolitiFact Rated Rubio’s Statement That He Never “Advocated” For Abortion Exceptions “Mostly False.” According to PolitiFact Florida, “Recently, Rubio has supported a bill that would have banned abortion after 20 weeks, and the bill did include exceptions for rape or incest. So Rubio has supported legislation with exceptions. However, we could find no evidence that Rubio has generally favored those types of exceptions, and we couldn’t find him specifically advocating for them. Rubio’s claim has an element of truth, but it leaves out important details. So we rate it Mostly False.” [PolitiFact, 8/7/15]
Rubio: I Do Not “Require” Exceptions In Order To Support A Law Limiting Abortions. Interview. Megyn Kelly asks if Rubio is opposed to abortion even in cases of rape and incest. Rubio says, “I don’t require those exceptions in order to support a law. On the other hand, I have supported laws that have those exceptions because I’m interested in saving lives. I support the twenty-week abortion ban and it has those exceptions because that’s where the majority of Americans are. If I’m President, even though I don’t personally require there to be exceptions for those two things, I will support a law that has them because I am interested in saving as many lives as we can.” [Fox News’s The Kelly File: 160224_MM_80823_A.mp4, 2/24/16]
Rubio Spokesman: Rubio Will Support Exceptions In The Future. According to the New York Times, “Under pressure from both sides, Mr. Rubio continues to defend the bills he backed. Asked if the senator would support legislation with exceptions in the future, Alex Conant, his spokesman, said, ‘Yes, of course.’” [New York Times, 8/13/15]
[Video] Rubio Said He Would Support Bills That Include Exceptions To Abortion Bans Because “I’ll Support Any Legislation That Reduces The Number of Abortions.” “Chuck Todd: You got a lot of universal praise for the debate. But I want to get into one specific issue where there has been some questions about a response you had. And it's on abortion. I want to just get this clarification. Will you support legislation that has exceptions? Marco Rubio: I have. Todd: Antiabortion legislation that has exceptions for life? Rubio: I'll support any legislation. Todd: Of the mother, rape, incest, et cetera? Rubio: Yes. I'll support any legislation that reduces the number of abortions. So, that means a 20-week abortion ban. At five months, you will recognize a child as a human being in an ultrasound image. And I'll support that. That doesn't obviously cover the whole gamut. But it reduces the number of abortions. I'll support any legislation that reduces the number of abortions. And there are those that have that exception. What I've never done is said I require that it must have or not have exceptions.” [“Meet the Press,” NBC, 8/9/15; 150809_MM_69077]
Vox: Rubio Sponsored Bills With Exceptions Because “He Wants To Restrict Abortion As Much As He Can.” According to Vox, “It’s true that Rubio has co-sponsored legislation including those exceptions. […] Rubio says he wants to restrict abortion as much as he can. So while he supports bills with the exceptions, it’s because he’s trying to limit abortion, according to Rubio spokesperson Alex Conant. ‘Marco has sponsored pro-life legislation with and without exceptions because they enhance protections for innocent life,’ Conant wrote in an email to Vox.” [Vox, 8/7/15]
August 2015, CNN Republican Presidential Debate: When Asked If He Supported Abortion Exceptions For Rape And Incest, Rubio Said: “I Have Never Said That. And I Have Never Advocated That.” According to the Washington Post, “KELLY: Senator Rubio, you favor a rape and incest exception to abortion bans. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York just said yesterday those exceptions are preposterous. He said they discriminate against an entire class of human beings. If you believe that life begins at conception, as you say you do, how do you justify ending a life just because it begins violently, through no fault of the baby? RUBIO: Well, Megyn, first of all, I'm not sure that that's a correct assessment of my record. I would go on to add that I believe all-- KELLY: You don't favor a rape and incest exception? RUBIO: I have never said that. And I have never advocated that. What I have advocated is that we pass law in this country that says all human life at every stage of its development is worthy of protection.” [Washington Post Transcript of CNN debate, 8/6/15]
Washington Post: When Rubio “Opposed Abortion Rights Even In The Case Of Rape Or Incest… Those Who Know Rubio Didn’t Hear Anything Unusual.” According to Washington Post, “If some observers were surprised during last week’s Republican debate when Marco Rubio stated firmly that he opposed abortion rights even in the case of rape or incest, it’s probably because he rarely brings up the issue. But those who know Rubio didn’t hear anything unusual. The young U.S. senator running for president has held consistent views on abortion rights throughout his career in public office.” [Washington Post Transcript of CNN debate, 8/13/15]
[Video] Rubio: “A Human Being Is Entitled To Life, Irrespective Of The Circumstances In Which That Human Being Was Conceived.” "I believe a human being is entitled to life, irrespective of the circumstances in which that human being was conceived and so forth. Now I recognize that other people don't hold that view and in order to save lives in this country, I have supported bills that had to have exceptions in them, and I know a lot of people who are pro-life but support exceptions because they feel it goes too far. I personally feel very, very strongly that every human life is entitled to the protection of our laws. If we as a society start deciding which lives we're going to protect and which lives we're not, we've put ourselves on a very slippery, dangerous slope. I actually think in a hundred years or so, or less, future generations are going to look back at this time in history and say that it's really unbelievable that so many unborn human beings, their lives were ended simply because they didn't have a birth certificate, couldn't hire a lawyer, didn't vote, or we couldn't see them yet." [Glenn Beck Program, 8/17/15; 150817_MM_69496_A]
[Video] Rubio: “All Human Life Is Worthy Of The Protection Of Our Laws […] I Believe That Irrespective Of The Conditions By Which That Life Was Conceived.” “I personally and deeply believe that all human life is worthy of the protection of our laws. I do, and I believe that irrespective of the conditions by which that life was conceived or anything else and for me to be consistent on that belief, that’s why I feel so strongly.” [“Meet the Press,” NBC, 8/9/15; 150809_MM_69077]
[Video] Rubio: “All Human Life Is Worthy Of Protective Irrespective Of The Circumstances In Which That Human Life Was Created.” “Host: Why do you not see rape and incest as areas for potential carve outs even if you are pro-life? Marco Rubio: First, I think both of those instances are horrifying and fortunately they’re extremely rare. It happens and anytime it happens it’s horrifying and it’s a tragedy, but I personally and honestly and deeply believe that all human life is worthy of protective irrespective of the circumstances in which that human life was created. I personally believe that you do not correct one tragedy with a second tragedy. That’s how I personally feel very strongly about it. I believe all human life, irrespective of the circumstances in which it came into being, is worthy of the protection of our laws.” [“New Day,” CNN, 8/7/15; 150807_MM_69029]
Asked If He Believed In Abortion Exceptions For "Rape, Incest, Mother’s Life?" Rubio Said “I Believe And I’ve Always Advocated That Life Begins At Conception.” “Sean Hannity: Exceptions on abortion – rape, incest, mother’s life? Marco Rubio: I believe that human life is valuable irrespective of the circumstances of its creation and deserves the protection of our law. If I’m president and the only bill that can pass is one that has exceptions, that means we’re still going to save millions of lives, but I personally believe and I’ve always advocated that life begins at conception and all human life is worthy of protection.” [“Hannity,” Fox News, 4/13/15; 150413_MM_60544]
Rubio Argued That An Abortion Exception To Protect The Life Of The Mother “Holds The Highest Validity.” According to the Washington Post, “‘Well, of all the exceptions that people talk about, certainly protecting the life of the mother is the one that I think holds the highest validity,’ he said, according to a transcript provided by NBC. ‘And I recognize that in the past. And there’s a debate about today, given modern medicine, whether there is any condition that only abortion could save a mother’s life in a viable pregnancy.’” [Washington Post, 8/8/15]
PolitiFact: “Liberal Pundit: Marco Rubio Opposes Rape, Incest Abortion Exception” Was “Mostly True.” According to PolitiFact, “[Jennifer] Granholm said Rubio opposes abortion ‘even in the case of rape and incest.’ The record suggests Rubio has staked out a slightly more nuanced position. Rubio is staunchly anti-abortion and has suggested he personally opposes abortion in cases of rape and incest, but he has supported abortion legislation that include those exceptions. Rubio says he supports legislation that makes abortion more rare. Granholm’s statement is accurate but needs clarification. We rate it Mostly True.” [PolitiFact, 10/25/15]
Washington Post: “When Given The Opportunity To Write His Own” Legislative Language, “Rubio Did Not Include A Rape Or Incest Exception.” According to Washington Post, “Since his first term, he has introduced the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act, which would make it illegal for a minor to cross statelines for an abortion in an effort to circumvent some states’s parental notification laws. When given the opportunity to write his own language, Rubio did not include a rape or incest exception. But he did include an exception to save the life of the mother.” [Washington Post, 8/13/15]
[Video] Rubio On Abortion: “I Do Support An Exception For The Life Of The Mother, Because I Am Pro-Life.” [YouTube, 1/4/16]
Huffington Post: Rubio Claimed To Support No Exceptions For Abortions, But Sponsored A Bill That Contained Abortion Exceptions For Rape, Incest, And To Save The Life Of The Mother. According to Huffington Post, “Florida Sen. Marco Rubio attempted during Thursday’s Republican presidential debate to deny his past support for exceptions to proposed bans on abortion. ‘You favor a rape and incest exception to abortion bans,’ moderator Megyn Kelly said. ‘If you believe that life begins at conception, as you say you do, how do you justify ending a life just because it begins violently, through no fault of the baby?’ ‘Well, Megyn, first of all, I’m not sure that’s a correct assessment of my record,’ Rubio said. ‘I have never said that, and I have never advocated that. What I have advocated is that we pass a law in this country that says all human life, at every stage of its development, is worthy of protection. And in fact I think that law already exists. It’s called the Constitution of the United States.’ However, though Rubio may not have ‘advocated’ for exceptions, his record on the issue is more nuanced than his answer suggested: The senator co-sponsored a 2013 bill that would have banned abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy with exceptions for survivors of rape and incest, as well as mothers whose lives were at risk.” [Huffington Post, 8/6/15]
Rubio Cosponsored 20 Week Abortion Ban Bill With Rape And Incest Exceptions. According to NPR, “In 2013, Rubio co-sponsored a Senate bill to ban abortion after 20 weeks since fertilization, making exceptions for the life of the mother, rape or incest.” [NPR, 4/13/15]
Vox: Rubio Backed The No Taxpayer Funding For Abortion Act In Each Of The Last Few Congresses And The PROTECT Act In The 113th,” All Of Which Included Exceptions. According to Vox, “It’s true that Rubio has co-sponsored legislation including those exceptions. The ‘No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act’ in each of the last few Congresses and the PROTECT Act in the 113th Congress are among the bills he’s backed. But that doesn’t mean that Rubio would only back legislation with the exceptions.” [Vox, 8/7/15]
Rubio Co-Sponsored The Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, Which Contained A Rape Exception, In Both The 113th And 114th Congress. According to PolitiFact, “In November 2013, Rubio was one of 40 cosponsors of a Senate bill entitled ‘Pain-capable unborn child protection act.’ Several GOP presidential candidates backed the bill, including main sponsor Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and co-sponsors Ted Cruz of Texas and Rand Paul of Kentucky. The bill bans abortions at 20 weeks or greater but includes exceptions, including rape and incest[.] […]The 2013 bill stalled in committee; Graham sponsored a similar version in 2015 -- and again Rubio is listed as one of dozens of co-sponsors. This version also has a rape exception, although the language differs.” [PolitiFact, 8/7/15]
In The Florida House, Rubio Voted For Budgets That Included Funding For Abortions In The Case Of Rape And Incest Or Life Of Mother. According to a tweet by Associated Press reporter Gary Fineout, “While in #FLLeg @marcorubio voted for budgets that included funding for abortions in the case of rape and incest or life of mother” [Gary Fineout Twitter, 8/7/15]
New York Times: “Some Groups Were Frustrated With” Rubio’s Support For Legislation Containing Abortion Exceptions “For What They Saw As Compromised Values.” According to the New York Times, “Senator Marco Rubio of Florida surprised some Democrats and moderate Republicans last week when he said during the Republican presidential debate that he opposed abortion even in cases where rape or incest were involved: He had previously backed legislation allowing those exceptions. Though many abortion opponents applauded the bill, some groups were frustrated with Mr. Rubio for what they saw as compromised values.” [New York Times, 8/13/15]
Rubio Announced Co-Sponsorship Of The “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortions” Act According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “Senator Roger Wicker’s (R-MS) bill would prohibit any federal funds from being used for abortions or to support health insurance coverage that includes abortions.” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 1/29/21]
Rubio Announced Co-Sponsorship Of “Abortion is Not Health Care” Act. According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “Senator Mike Lee’s (R-UT) bill would fix the Internal Revenue Service categorization that currently qualifies abortion services as medical care, and subsequently provides them preferential tax treatment.” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 1/29/21]
Rubio Said “Abortion Is Not Health Care” In Signing Onto Resolution To Oppose Allowing Abortion Coverage In Affordable Care Act Plans. According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), James Lankford (R-OK), and 19 colleagues introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval to overturn a Biden Administration regulation that creates a loophole allowing elective abortion coverage in taxpayer-funded Affordable Care Act (ACA) health exchange plans. S.J.Res.43 would nullify the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) final rule that repeals the separate billing requirements for elective abortion services as specifically mandated by Congress in Section 1303 of the ACA. The final rule eliminated a 2019 Trump-era rule on the separate billing requirements to ensure taxpayers who oppose abortion do not subsidize health exchange plans that provide abortion coverage. ‘Abortion is not healthcare, and American taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize it,’ Rubio said. ‘I will continue to fight for the unborn and do everything I can to make sure taxpayer dollars are not used for abortions.’ [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 3/25/22]
Rubio Signed Onto Letter To Treasury Secretary Declaring “Abortion Is Not Health Care” And That Treasury Should End Tax Breaks For Abortion “Under The Guise Of Medical Care.” According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “Citing that abortion is not healthcare, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Senator Mike Braun (R-IN), Representative Warren Davidson (R-OH), along with 22 Senators and 79 Representatives, in sending a letter to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin calling for new regulations to end tax breaks for abortion under the guise of healthcare. The full text of the letter is below. […] Abortion is not health care. Any procedure for which a successful outcome depends on the death of a living human being, born or unborn, cannot be considered health care. For this reason, the willful killing of an unborn child has for over two millennia been explicitly proscribed by the Hippocratic Oath as inherently contrary to the ethical practice of medicine. We write to urge you to take swift action to issue new regulations to protect innocent human life by ending tax breaks for abortion under the guise of medical care. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) should not consider abortions (except when the mother's life is physically endangered) to be medical care. Similarly, the IRS should not treat premiums for health insurance that covers such abortions as medical care, unless in compliance with the law's separate accounting requirements for coverage of non-medical care.” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 8/13/20]
Letter Rubio Signed Called For End Of Business Relations Between Senate And Citigroup, Calling Citi’s Policy For Paying Travel Expenses For Employees Having An Abortion “Abortion Tourism.” According to the Washington Examiner, “Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines led multiple GOP senators in demanding an end to contracts with Citibank Friday, citing its intentions to facilitate ‘abortion tourism.’ In a letter to the Senate sergeant-at-arms, Daines (the founder and chairman of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus) and others wrote: ‘Citi’s decision to finance abortion tourism for its employees, in brazen circumvention of State law, shows a reckless disregard for the lives of preborn children and disdain for the will of the people of the States in which Citi acts as an employer,’ expressing the group's ‘deep concern’ about the bank. Sens. Roger Marshall, Kevin Cramer, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Roger Wicker, Mike Braun, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Rick Scott, and James Lankford signed the letter alongside the Montana senator. ‘The U.S. Senate should not be administered through a company that facilitates abortion on demand and promotes a woke, pro-abortion agenda,’ they wrote. Sen. Hyde-Smith told the Washington Examiner, ‘Beyond showing a disregard for the unborn, Citibank’s decision to finance abortion tourism for its employees is a brazen evasion of state laws and a violation of long-standing federal policy. As such, the Senate should discontinue its association with this company.’ The sergeant-at-arms is responsible for distributing credit cards to members of the Senate, as well as various leadership and committee offices that finance ‘flights, office supplies, and other goods using taxpayer funds,’ according to the letter. The Washington Examiner did not receive a response from Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Karen Gibson's office. In response to anti-abortion bills in several states, Citi told shareholders in a March 15 letter that ‘beginning in 2022 we provide travel benefits to facilitate access to adequate resources.’ The new policy, revealed in its annual proxy statement, reportedly finances travel and hotels for employees who are seeking abortions.” [Washington Examiner, 4/29/22]
Rubio Introduced “No Tax Breaks For Radical Corporate Activism Act” Designed To Prohibit Tax Breaks For Businesses Relating To Expenses For Interstate Abortion Or Gender Transitions. According to Fox News, “Republican Sen. Marco Rubio introduced a bill Tuesday that would prohibit employers from receiving tax breaks for expenses related to employees’ ‘interstate abortion’ or employees’ children’s ‘gender transition procedure’ costs. Rubio, R-Fla., introduced the ‘No Tax Breaks for Radical Corporate Activism Act’ on Tuesday, which would ‘deny the trade or business expense deduction for the reimbursement of employee costs of child gender transition procedure or travel to obtain an abortion." ‘Our tax code should be pro-family and promote a culture of life,’ Rubio told Fox News. ‘Instead, too often our corporations find loopholes to subsidize the murder of unborn babies or horrific 'medical' treatments on kids.’ Rubio added: ‘My bill would make sure this does not happen.’ ‘No deduction shall be allowed under this chapter to an employer for any amount paid or incurred to reimburse an employee for, or to otherwise pay, expenses in connection with— travel for the purpose of obtaining an abortion, or any gender transition procedure for a minor child of the employee," the legislation, obtained by Fox News, states. The bill notes several ‘exceptions,’ including services ‘performed because the individual suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness which would, as certified by a physician, place the individual in imminent danger of death or impairment of major bodily function unless surgery is performed.’” [Fox News, 5/3/22]
Bill Came After Several Corporations Said They Will Cover Travel Expenses For Abortions. According to Fox News, “The introduction of the bill comes after a number of large corporations, including Amazon, Apple, Citigroup and others, have announced they will cover travel expenses each year for non-life threatening medical treatments, including abortions. Amazon's new benefit, first reported by Reuters on Monday, retroactively applies if an operation is not available within 100 miles of an employee's home and if virtual care is not possible.” [Fox News, 5/3/22]
Rubio Aide Signaled Out Disney For Helping Employees Get “Gender-Affirmation Procedures.” According to Fox News, “A Rubio aide also pointed to a reported initiative from Disney that would allow the company's benefit team to help employees and their children in getting ‘gender-affirmation procedures.’ ‘Companies across the U.S., including Disney, are proactively helping their employees’ circumvent state laws and harm unborn and young children, and Marco believes they should not receive any tax benefits for these actions,’ Rubio's aide told Fox News.” [Fox News, 5/3/22]
Rubio’s Introduction Of Bill Came Day After Draft Opinion To Overturn Roe Leaked. According to Fox News, “Under current tax law, businesses can deduct all expenses that are ‘ordinary and necessary’ for carrying on a trade or business, including employee health care plans, some medical expenses, or other benefits offered as part of an employee compensation package, the aide told Fox News. The aide said that under current law, individual taxpayers can ‘deduct abortion and gender transition expenses as medical expenses.’ ‘This bill would explicitly prohibit employers from deducting — and, as a result, taxpayers from subsidizing — their employee’s interstate abortion or children’s gender transition expenses,’ the aide said. The introduction of Rubio's bill also comes a day after a leaked draft opinion authored by Justice Samuel Alito signaled the Supreme Court's intention to overturn Roe v. Wade.” [Fox News, 5/3/22]
Rubio Promoted His Bill To Prevent Tax Deductions For Abortion-Related Travel Or Gender-Affirming Care For Minors. According to Business Insider, “Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, who introduced a bill this week to prevent companies from making tax deductions for employees' abortion-related travel costs or for gender-affirming care for minors. ‘Too often our corporations find loopholes to subsidize the murder of unborn babies or horrific 'medical' treatments on kids,’ said Rubio in a statement touting the bill. ‘My bill would make sure this does not happen.’.” [Business Insider, 5/6/22]
Rubio Said Corporations Offering To Subsidize “Abortion Tourism” For Their Workers Is “Full Crazy.” According to an op-ed by Rubio in Newsweek, “Apparently, flying the right flag at the office and saying the right things at cocktail parties are no longer sufficient for maintaining woke status. In the contest between common sense and crazy, corporate elites have gone full crazy. The case in point: major businesses like Citigroup, Salesforce, Yelp and now Amazon are offering to subsidize ‘abortion tourism’ for their employees. With leaked indications that the Supreme Court will overturn Roe v. Wade, you can bet their ranks will swell. Meanwhile, Disney is planning to help its employees secure gender transition ‘care’ for their children.” [Op-Ed – Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 5/4/22]
Rubio Said Law Must Change To Prevent “This Insanity” Of Corporations For Getting Tax Breaks For Abortion And Gender Transition Costs. According to an op-ed by Rubio in Newsweek, “While the radical Left drives this insanity, the law enables it. The current U.S. tax code allows employers to deduct employee compensation and benefits. Because a lot can fall under that umbrella, the code also specifies certain expenses that don't qualify for tax breaks. But there is no provision that prohibits Citigroup and others from deducting abortion and gender transition costs. As a result, these corporations may be able to help their employees kill their unborn children or transition their son into a daughter tax-free! This has to change. Businesses should not receive tax breaks for radical leftist activism, especially when that activism jeopardizes our children. Our tax code should encourage family formation and promote a culture of life. Instead, it too often encourages subsidies for the murder of unborn babies and the performance of horrific ‘medical’ treatments on kids. I'm introducing legislation to eliminate this grotesque incentive. It's a common-sense bill that will make clear that abortion travel costs and child gender transition fees are not ordinary business expenses and cannot be deducted from an employer's tax liability.” [Op-Ed – Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 5/4/22]
Rubio Said Corporations Have Embraced “The Darkest Elements Of The Woke Creed.” According to an op-ed by Rubio in Newsweek, “However, it's not enough to remove corporate subsidies. To make real, lasting headway, we also need to change corporate culture. Today, executives view themselves as leaders of the global progressive movement. Whether because they truly believe the insanity or because they'd rather side with leftist activists than feel their wrath on social media, they have embraced all the darkest elements of the woke creed. Citi (the bank that received the largest amount of federal bailout funds in 2008) portrayed its new policy to shareholders in deceptively positive language: ‘In response to changes in reproductive healthcare laws in certain states in the U.S., beginning in 2022 we provide travel benefits to facilitate access to adequate resources.’ Such euphemisms belie the fact that the bank is sponsoring abortion on demand.” [Op-Ed – Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 5/4/22]
Rubio Said “Woke Executives” Should See “Unjust” Tax Breaks Eliminated So Kids Can Be Protected From “Leftist Indoctrination.” According to an op-ed by Rubio in Newsweek, “These corporations, and others like them, should not look to the Republican Party for support. Public policy should be used to strengthen families, not woke executives. We must work to strip the latter of undeserved benefits while empowering the former. That means further expanding the child tax credit to relieve the financial burden of raising children. It means protecting kids from leftist indoctrination in public schools. It means doing everything possible to prevent harm to our nation's children, born and unborn. Eliminating unjust tax breaks for radical corporate activism is one step in the right direction. Business and good government don't have to be at odds. But if executive elites think they can force the rest of the country to support their insane policies, they have another thing coming.” [Op-Ed – Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 5/4/22]
Rubio Signed Onto Resolution To Overturn Biden Administration’s 2021 Final Rule On The Title X Family Planning Program. According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and 32 Republican Senators introduced a joint resolution under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn the Biden Administration’s 2021 Final Rule on the Title X Family Planning Program, which reversed the Trump Administration’s 2019 ban on federal funding to entities that provide abortion referrals to pregnant mothers. The 2019 rule did not reduce Title X funding, but simply redirected it to providers that do not perform or promote abortions as part of their ‘family planning’ practices. […] ‘The Biden Administration’s rule is an assault on the most sacred and fundamental human right, the right to life,’ Rubio said. ‘I will continue to protect the sanctity of life and do everything I can to make sure taxpayer dollars are not used for or promote abortions.’” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 3/17/22]
Rubio Announced Co-Sponsorship Of Bill To Restrict Title X Funds From Flowing To Abortion Providers. According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “Rubio announced he was co-sponsoring 10 anti abortion bills. Those bills include: […] Senator Marsha Blackburn’s (R-TN) bill would prohibit the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from providing federal family planning grants to any entities that perform abortions.” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 1/29/21]
Rubio Announced Co-Sponsorship Of Women’s Public Health and Safety Act. According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “Senator James Lankford’s (R-OK) bill would allow states to exclude providers of elective abortions from a state’s Medicaid program.” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 1/29/21]
Rubio Announced Co-Sponsorship Of Protecting Life in Health Savings Accounts Act. According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “Senator Lee introduced this bill, which would prohibit preferential tax treatment and expenditures of abortion services through health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible savings accounts (FSAs), Archer medical savings accounts (HRAs), health reimbursement arrangements (MSAs), and retiree health accounts.” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 1/29/21]
Rubio Announced Co-Sponsorship Of Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance Act That Would Codify And Expand The Global Gag Rule. According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “Senator Lee also reintroduced this legislation that codifies an expanded Mexico City policy to ensure that no foreign aid funding goes to organizations that perform abortions, provide abortion counseling, or refer to abortion services.” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 1/29/21]
2021: Rubio Called Biden’s Recension Of The Global Gag Rule “Unconscionable.” According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement after President Joe Biden rescinded the Mexico City Policy. ‘It is unconscionable that one of the first actions taken by the Biden Administration is to send U.S. taxpayer dollars overseas to organizations that perform and promote the killing of the unborn,’ Rubio said. ‘By rescinding the Mexico City Policy, the Biden Administration is sending a signal to the world that protecting life at its most vulnerable stage is no longer a part of America’s core values. I will always stand on the side of life, and will continue my work in the Senate to protect the unborn.’” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 1/28/21]
2017: Rubio Applauded Reinstatement Of The Global Gag Rule. According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement today after President Trump reinstated the Mexico City Policy: ‘I applaud President Trump for reinstating the Mexico City Policy. U.S. taxpayer dollars should not be used to perform or promote abortions overseas. This is a positive first step from the Trump Administration on pro-life issues and I look forward to working together to protect life at its most vulnerable stage.’” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 1/23/17]
Rubio: If Elected President, On On Day One, “I Will Reinstate The Mexico City Policy To Stop Taxpayer Funding Of Abortions Overseas.” In a Quad City Times op-ed Marco Rubio wrote, “I’ll continue this unfinished work in the White House. On day one, I will reinstate the Mexico City Policy to stop taxpayer funding of abortions overseas. A Republican Congress and I will once and for all defund Planned Parenthood. And, when the time comes, I’ll appoint justices to the Supreme Court who have a record applying the Constitution as it was written and upholding the God-given rights it protects.” [Quad City Times, 1/19/16]
2011: Rubio Voted For Reinstating The Restriction On Funding Any Organization That Uses Its Own Funds To Provide Abortions In A Foreign Country. In March 2011, Rubio voted for a bill that according to Congressional Quarterly, “would reinstate the so-called Mexico City restrictions on family-planning funds. The provision prohibits U.S. funding to any private, non-governmental or multilateral organization that uses its own funds to directly, or indirectly, perform abortions in a foreign country. The restrictions would not apply to funds used to perform abortions in instances of rape or incest, or when the life of the woman is in danger.” The provision was part of a continuing resolution to fund the federal government until the end of FY 2011. The bill was rejected by the Senate by a vote of 44 to 56. The bill number was later used as the vehicle for another piece of legislation. [Senate Vote 36, 3/9/11; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1; Congressional Quarterly, 3/1/11]
Republicans Said Restrictions On Using Federal Funds For Abortions – Known As The Hyde Amendment – Have Been Regularly Included In Appropriations Bills, As Well As Other Legislation. According to Congressional Quarterly, “Republicans point to instances where the Hyde amendment — a provision barring the use of federal funds for abortions routinely added to appropriations bills — has appeared in a variety of legislation. ‘It’s not like the bipartisan provision now suddenly in question is anything new,’ [Senate Majority Leader Mitch] McConnell said.” [Congressional Quarterly, 3/18/15]
Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Cecile Richards: Most “Human Trafficking Victims Are Women And Girls, And They Need Access To The Full Range Of Reproductive Health Care Services Without Barriers.” According to Congressional Quarterly, “The Democratic campaign apparatus, as well as those supporting of abortion rights like Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Cecile Richards, were critical of the language. ‘The Senate should protect victims of human trafficking but should not do so at the expense of women’s access to safe and legal abortion. The majority of human trafficking victims are women and girls, and they need access to the full range of reproductive health care services without barriers,’ Richards said in a statement. ‘The Senate should protect victims of human trafficking but should not do so at the expense of women’s access to safe and legal abortion. The majority of human trafficking victims are women and girls, and they need access to the full range of reproductive health care services without barriers.” [Congressional Quarterly, 3/10/15]
March 2015: Rubio Effectively Voted For Anti-Human Trafficking Bill That Included Ban On Using Victim Restitution Funds To Pay For An Abortion, Except In Cases Of Rape, Incest Or To Save The Mother’s Life. In March 2015, Rubio effectively voted for a bill that, according to Congressional Quarterly, “would use fines and penalties against sex-trafficking perpetrators for more restitution and assistance funds for victims.” According to a separate Congressional Quarterly article, “At issue is a provision that would prohibit the money in a crime victim compensation fund — established by the bill and funded by fines from offenders — from being used towards abortion services. Bill sponsor and Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas said the measure would provide about $30 million to help victims of human trafficking crimes recover. […] The provision bars federal dollars from being used to fund abortions except in cases of rape, incest or when the mother’s life is in danger.” The vote was on a motion to end debate on the bill, which required 60 votes to succeed. The Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 56 to 42. Afterwards, the Senate set the bill aside, and moved on to other business. A month later, the Senate passed a compromise version of the legislation. [Senate Vote 76, 3/19/15; Congressional Quarterly, 3/19/15; Congressional Quarterly, 3/10/15; Congressional Quarterly, 4/21/15; Congressional Actions, S. 178]
March 2015: Rubio Effectively Voted For Anti-Human Trafficking Bill That Included Ban On Using Victim Restitution Funds To Pay For An Abortion, Except In Cases Of Rape, Incest Or To Save The Mother’s Life. In March 2015, Rubio effectively voted for a bill that, according to Congressional Quarterly, “would use fines and penalties against sex-trafficking perpetrators for more restitution and assistance funds for victims.” According to a separate Congressional Quarterly article, “At issue is a provision that would prohibit the money in a crime victim compensation fund — established by the bill and funded by fines from offenders — from being used towards abortion services. Bill sponsor and Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas said the measure would provide about $30 million to help victims of human trafficking crimes recover. […] The provision bars federal dollars from being used to fund abortions except in cases of rape, incest or when the mother’s life is in danger.” The vote was on a motion to end debate on the Senate Judiciary Committee’s substitute version of the legislation, which required 60 votes to succeed. The Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 56 to 42. After another attempt to end debate on the bill with the controversial language failed, the Senate set the bill aside, and moved on to other business. A month later, the Senate passed a compromise version of the legislation. [Senate Vote 75, 3/19/15; Congressional Quarterly, 3/19/15; Congressional Quarterly, 3/10/15; Congressional Quarterly, 4/21/15; Congressional Actions, S. 178]
March 2015: Rubio Effectively Voted For Anti-Human Trafficking Bill That Included Ban On Using Victim Restitution Funds To Pay For An Abortion, Except In Cases Of Rape, Incest Or To Save The Mother’s Life. In March 2015, Rubio effectively voted for a bill that, according to Congressional Quarterly, “would use fines and penalties against sex-trafficking perpetrators for more restitution and assistance funds for victims.” According to a separate Congressional Quarterly article, “At issue is a provision that would prohibit the money in a crime victim compensation fund — established by the bill and funded by fines from offenders — from being used towards abortion services. Bill sponsor and Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas said the measure would provide about $30 million to help victims of human trafficking crimes recover. […] The provision bars federal dollars from being used to fund abortions except in cases of rape, incest or when the mother’s life is in danger.” The vote was on a motion to end debate on the Senate Judiciary Committee’s substitute version of the legislation, which required 60 votes to succeed. The Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 57 to 41. After two other attempts to end debate on the bill with the controversial language failed, the Senate set the bill aside, and moved on to other business. A month later, the Senate passed a compromise version of the legislation. [Senate Vote 74, 3/18/15; Congressional Quarterly, 3/18/15; Congressional Quarterly, 3/10/15; Congressional Quarterly, 4/21/15; Congressional Actions, S. 178]
March 2015: Rubio Effectively Voted For Anti-Human Trafficking Bill That Included Ban On Using Victim Restitution Funds To Pay For An Abortion, Except In Cases Of Rape, Incest Or To Save The Mother’s Life. In March 2015, Rubio effectively voted for a bill that, according to Congressional Quarterly, “would use fines and penalties against sex-trafficking perpetrators for more restitution and assistance funds for victims.” According to a separate Congressional Quarterly article, “At issue is a provision that would prohibit the money in a crime victim compensation fund — established by the bill and funded by fines from offenders — from being used towards abortion services. Bill sponsor and Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas said the measure would provide about $30 million to help victims of human trafficking crimes recover. […] The provision bars federal dollars from being used to fund abortions except in cases of rape, incest or when the mother’s life is in danger.” The vote was on a motion to end debate on the bill, which required 60 votes to succeed. The Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 55 to 43. After several further attempts to end debate on the bill with the controversial language failed, the Senate set the bill aside, and moved on to other business. A month later, the Senate passed a compromise version of the legislation. [Senate Vote 73, 3/17/15; Congressional Quarterly, 3/17/15; Congressional Quarterly, 3/10/15; Congressional Quarterly, 4/21/15; Congressional Actions, S. 178]
March 2015: Rubio Effectively Voted For Anti-Human Trafficking Bill That Included Ban On Using Victim Restitution Funds To Pay For An Abortion, Except In Cases Of Rape, Incest Or To Save The Mother’s Life. In March 2015, Rubio effectively voted for a bill that, according to Congressional Quarterly, “would use fines and penalties against sex-trafficking perpetrators for more restitution and assistance funds for victims.” According to a separate Congressional Quarterly article, “At issue is a provision that would prohibit the money in a crime victim compensation fund — established by the bill and funded by fines from offenders — from being used towards abortion services. Bill sponsor and Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas said the measure would provide about $30 million to help victims of human trafficking crimes recover. […] The provision bars federal dollars from being used to fund abortions except in cases of rape, incest or when the mother’s life is in danger.” The vote was on a motion to end debate on the Senate Judiciary Committee’s substitute version of the legislation, which required 60 votes to succeed. The Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 55 to 43. After several further attempts to end debate on the bill with the controversial language failed, the Senate set the bill aside, and moved on to other business. A month later, the Senate passed a compromise version of the legislation. [Senate Vote 72, 3/17/15; Congressional Quarterly, 3/17/15; Congressional Quarterly, 3/10/15; Congressional Quarterly, 4/21/15; Congressional Actions, S. 178]
Rubio Signed Onto Letter Stating He Would Vote To Block Any Legislation That Would “Undermine” The Hyde Amendment. According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Steve Daines (R-MT), founder and chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, along with 46 Senate colleagues sent a letter to Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) pledging that they will vote to block any bill that would undermine the Hyde Amendment or any other pro-life protections. ‘We are united in our resolve to guard against any changes to Federal law that would unsettle nearly half a century of bipartisan consensus against taxpayer funding for abortion on demand, or otherwise threaten the lives of unborn children. Accordingly, we are committed to vote against the advancement of any legislation that would eliminate or weaken the Hyde Amendment or any other current-law pro-life protections, or otherwise undermine existing Federal pro-life policy,’ the senators wrote.” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 2/5/21]
Rubio Joined Letter To Head Of The FDA Requesting Restoration Of Stringent Oversight Of Chemical Abortion. According to a press release from his office, “U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) and U.S. Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH), along with 124 bicameral colleagues, in sending a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting the FDA immediately restore more stringent oversight of chemical abortion bills, including the in-person dispensing requirement the FDA suspended in December.” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 2/22/22]
Rubio Announced Co-Sponsorship Of SAVE Moms and Babies Act. According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “Rubio announced he was co-sponsoring 10 anti abortion bills. Those bills include: […] Cindy Hyde- Smith’s (R-MS) bill would prevent labeling changes from previously-approved abortion drugs, most notably attempts to remove the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) certification. REMS is a safety requirement that mandates certified providers only dispense drugs from healthcare settings and they inform the patient about the associated risks of taking abortion medication. The bill also prevents providers from prescribing these drugs remotely, by mail, or via telehealth services. It also prevents the FDA from authorizing new abortion medicines.” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 1/29/21]
Rubio Demanded Google To Explain Why They Allowed Ads For Mifepristone But Banned Abortion Pill Reversal Ads. According to a press release from Sen. Rubio’s office, “U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and nine other senators in demanding answers from the CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai, on the company’s double standard in censoring pro-life Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) advertisements while continuing to allow advertisements for deadly chemical abortion pills.
‘While banning pro-life APR ads, Google continues to allow ads for purveyors of the deadly abortion pill mifepristone by mail, despite the fact this drug has resulted in at least 24 mothers’ tragic deaths and at least 1,042 mothers being sent to the hospital,’ the senators wrote. ‘Google’s double standard on abortion is disingenuous and an egregious abuse of its enormous market power to protect the billion-dollar abortion industry. The practical consequence of Google’s abortion distortion is that pregnant mothers in crisis will only have the option to be marketed abortion drugs through Google’s ad platforms, while life-affirming alternatives are suppressed.’” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 9/16/21]
Rubio: “There Are Examples Of Children Of 15- And 16-Year-Old Mothers Who Have Done Very Well In Life.” Rubio told Florida Bar News, “I also am not a big believer that because you have a child at 15 or 16 your life is irretrievably mined for the rest of your life. I think clearly that presents a whole another set of challenges, and it’s less than ideal, but there are examples of children of 15- and 16-year-old mothers who have done very well in life, given the right nurturing environment and support for that mother.” [Florida Bar News, 4/1/05, Pg. 1 (2) Vol. 32 No. 7]
2010: Rubio Indicated His Support For Federal Legislation Allowing Parents To Stop Minor Daughters From Getting Abortions. According to the National Pro-Life Alliance 2010 Congressional Candidate Survey, “Will you support federal legislation giving parents the right to stop any abortion from being performed on their minor daughter, except to prevent the death of the mother? [Rubio]: Yes.” [National Pro-Life Alliance 2010 Congressional Candidate Survey, 7/6/10]
2021: Rubio Reintroduced Legislation To Make It A Crime To Perform An Abortion On A Minor From Out Of State Without Parental Consent At Start Of 117th Congress. According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) reintroduced the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (CIANA) and joined introduction of ten additional pieces of legislation to protect the sanctity of life. ‘There is no human right more fundamental and more sacred than the right to life,” Rubio said. “Every single human being is entitled to the protection of our laws from the very moment of conception. I pray, and stand with those who march today in Washington and across our nation, that the dignity of human life will one day be respected. I remain committed to fighting to protect and uphold the right to life in Congress.’ Rubio sponsored legislation: Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (CIANA) CIANA would make it a federal crime for physicians to perform an abortion on a minor from another state without parental consent. The bill sets criminal punishments for providers that violate the law, and it provides an exception for when the minor’s life is at risk. Rubio first introduced the legislation in January 2019.” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 1/29/21]
2015: Rubio Introduced The Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. According to Washington Post, “Since his first term, he has introduced the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act, which would make it illegal for a minor to cross statelines for an abortion in an effort to circumvent some states’s parental notification laws. When given the opportunity to write his own language, Rubio did not include a rape or incest exception. But he did include an exception to save the life of the mother.” [Washington Post, 8/13/15]
2015: Legislation Made It A Federal Crime To Transport A Minor Across State Lines To Obtain An Abortion. On February 5, 2015, Rubio sponsored S.404, which according to the Congressional Research Service, “Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit transporting a minor child across a state line to obtain an abortion (deems such transporting to be a de facto abridgment of the right of a parent under any law in the minor’s state of residence that requires parental involvement in the minor’s abortion decision). Makes an exception for an abortion necessary to save the life of the minor. Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution or civil action under this Act that a defendant: (1) reasonably believed that before the minor obtained the abortion, the required parental consent or notification or judicial authorization took place; or (2) was presented with documentation showing that a court waived parental notification requirements or authorized the minor's abortion.” The bill was introduced in the Senate on 2/5/15 and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. No subsequent action was taken. [Congressional Research Service, S.404; Congressional Actions, 2/5/15]
2013: Rubio Effectively Voted For a Measure He Authored, Calling For Passage Of The Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (CIANA). In March 2013, Rubio effectively voted for a “sense of the Senate” amendment regarding the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (CIANA) and calling for that bill’s passage. According to The Hill, “The Senate on Friday evening rejected a Republican amendment to the 2014 budget that calls for new criminal penalties for abortions performed on minors outside their home state. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) proposed an amendment to the budget that encourages passage of his Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act.” The vote was on a motion to waive a point of order raised against the amendment. According to The Hill, “Boxer raised a point of order against Rubio’s amendment, saying it was non-germane. Rubio asked for a waiver from Senate budget rules.” The Senate rejected the motion to waive the point of order by a vote of 48 to 51, killing the amendment. [Senate Vote 64, 3/22/13; The Hill, 3/22/13]
March 2013: Rubio Publicized His Introduction Of An Amendment To Prohibit The Act Of Transporting A Minor To Obtain An Abortion If This Action Evaded The Parental Involvement Law In Her Home State. According to a press release from the office of Senator Marco Rubio, “U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today introduced six amendments to the Senate Democratic budget proposal currently being debated […] Rubio’s amendments include the following: […] Amendment #292: to prohibit the act of transporting a minor to obtain an abortion if this action evades the parental involvement law in her home state. It would also require abortion providers to notify a parent of an out-of-state minor before performing an abortion.” [Official Website of Senator Marco Rubio, 3/21/13]
February 2013: Rubio Publicized A Bill Introduced By He And A Group Of Republicans That Required Parents Of Minors To Be Notified Before An Abortion Is Performed. According to a press release from the office of Senator Marco Rubio, “Today, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio joined Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and a group of senators to introduce the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (CIANA). If enacted, this legislation would give states the authority they need to properly enforce laws requiring a parent to be notified before their minor daughter receives an abortion.” [Official Website of Senator Marco Rubio, 2/13/13]
Rubio Introduced A Bill That Would “Outlaw Taking A Minor Out Of Her Home State To Get An Abortion.” According to Florida Times-Union, “This week, freshman U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio took his first foray into the choppy waters of Washington abortion politics. The Florida Republican introduced a familiar bill Tuesday that would outlaw taking a minor out of her home state to get an abortion in order to avoid parental consent or notification laws.” [Florida Times-Union, 6/23/11]
2005: Rubio Voted For Bill Creating Parental Notice For Abortion In Florida. In May 2005, Rubio voted for a bill that called for creating parental notice for abortion; prohibiting performing or inducement of termination of pregnancy upon minor without specified notice; prescribing procedure for judicial waiver of notice; providing for issuance of court order authorizing consent to termination of pregnancy without notification; and providing for confidential & closed hearings. The bill passed both houses of the Florida legislature, in the House by a vote of 96 to 14. The bill went on to be signed by the governor. [Florida Legislative Archive, H 1659, 5/6/05]
Rubio Said That Parental Notification In The Case Of A Minor Seeking An Abortion Was A “Fundamental Role Of Parents Raising Their Children.” According to the Miami Herald, “On Wednesday, it was treated like a political speed bump after King said he feared the Parental Rights Amendment could lead to the revival of a parental consent law that the Supreme Court struck down in 1989. ‘It was way too broad," said King. ‘There were some arguments my people were making that by trying to define what a parents rights were, you could also eliminate the rights of the parent that might be implied because they weren’t listed.’ The whittled-down amendment proposal still provoked a partisan furor Wednesday, as House Democrats tried in vain to change the legislation so that the parental notification requirement would be waived when a minor had gotten pregnant due to rape or incest. ‘It is utterly irresponsible to actually make matters worse for a victim of rape or incest,’ said Rep. Nan Rich, D-Weston. But House Republicans called Democrats insensitive to the rights of parents. ‘Whether it is judicial activism or Democrat opportunism,’ said House Majority Leader Marco Rubio of Miami. ‘We cannot be deterred from the fundamental role of parents raising their children.” [Miami Herald, 3/4/04]
Rubio’s Legislation Required Abortion Providers To Notify Parents Of Out-Of-State Minors Before Performing An Abortion. According to a press release from the office of Senator Marco Rubio, “And second, it would require abortion providers to notify a parent of an out-of-state minor before performing an abortion. With disparate state laws regarding parental involvement all across the country, this bill would ensure those state laws are enforced regardless of where an abortion may be performed.” [Official Website of Senator Marco Rubio, 6/21/11]
Rubio’s Legislation Allowed For Fines And Imprisonment Of Physicians. According to a press release from the office of Senator Marco Rubio, “CIANA allows for punishment, in the form of fines or imprisonment, of physicians who knowingly perform an abortion on a minor who has traveled across state lines and any individual who transported the minor across state lines. This legislation does not apply in the cases of a medical emergency, abuse or neglect.” [Official Website of Senator Marco Rubio, 6/21/11]
Rubio Dismissed Democrats’ Objection To A Lack Of Exemption For Rape And Incest In Parental Notification Bill As “Opportunism.” According to the Miami Herald, “On Wednesday, it was treated like a political speed bump after King said he feared the Parental Rights Amendment could lead to the revival of a parental consent law that the Supreme Court struck down in 1989. ‘It was way too broad,’ said King. ‘There were some arguments my people were making that by trying to define what a parents rights were, you could also eliminate the rights of the parent that might be implied because they weren’t listed.’ The whittled-down amendment proposal still provoked a partisan furor Wednesday, as House Democrats tried in vain to change the legislation so that the parental notification requirement would be waived when a minor had gotten pregnant due to rape or incest. ‘It is utterly irresponsible to actually make matters worse for a victim of rape or incest,’ said Rep. Nan Rich, D-Weston. But House Republicans called Democrats insensitive to the rights of parents. ‘Whether it is judicial activism or Democrat opportunism,’ said House Majority Leader Marco Rubio of Miami. ‘We cannot be deterred from the fundamental role of parents raising their children.” [Miami Herald, 3/4/04]
2004: Rubio Voted For A Constitutional Amendment That Required Minors To Notify Parents And Legal Guardians Before Getting An Abortion. In April 2004, Rubio voted for a bill that “constitutional amendment to authorize Legislature to require by general law for notification to parent or guardian of minor before termination of minor’s pregnancy; provides that Legislature shall not limit or deny privacy rights guaranteed to minors under United States Constitution as interpreted by United States Supreme Court, etc.” The bill failed to pass both houses of the Florida legislature, passing in the House by a vote of 91 to 24. No subsequent action was taken. [Florida Legislative Archive, HJR 1, 4/30/04]
2005: Rubio Voted For Bill That Prohibited Abortions For Minors Without Parental Notification Unless The Child Met Certain Criteria. In May 2005, Rubio voted for a bill that “repeals specified provision re said act; creates said act; prohibits performing or inducement of termination of pregnancy upon minor without specified notice; prescribes procedure for judicial waiver of notice; provides for issuance of court order authorizing consent to termination of pregnancy without notification; provides for confidential & closed hearings, etc.” The bill passed both houses of the Florida legislature, in the House by a vote of 96 to 14. The bill went on to be signed by the governor. [Florida Legislative Archive, HB 1659, 5/6/05]
International Business Times HEADLINE: “Marco Rubio Champions Morning After Pill As Good Alternative To Abortion” [International Business Times, 9/30/15]
Rubio Said He Supported The Morning-After Pill Being Available Over The Counter And Supported Them Being “Made Available Immediately For Rape Victims.” According to the International Business Times, “Rubio said cases of rape and incest are ‘horrible tragedies’ and are compelling reasons why he supports emergency contraception being made available over the counter. Emergency contraception differs from abortion in that it does not end a pregnancy where the embryo is already implanted. Instead, it blocks fertilization, prevents ovulation or keeps a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus, depending on where a woman is in her menstrual cycle. Rubio continued: ‘And luckily in the 21st century, we have treatments available early on after an incident that can prevent that fertilization from happening. And that’s why I support the morning-after pill being available over the counter and I certainly support them being made available immediately for rape victims.’” [International Business Times, 9/30/15]
2002: Rubio Voted Against An Amendment That Required Hospitals Make Birth Control Available To Rape Victims. In March 2002, Rubio voted against an amendment that “deems it essential that rape survivors be informed of pregnancy prophylaxis and have access to pregnancy prophylaxis as a treatment option.” The amendment was rejected by the House 48 to 64. No subsequent action was taken. [Florida Legislative Archive, HB 507, A4, 3/18/02]
The Amendment Included An Exception For Religious Beliefs. According to the Florida Legislative Archive, “Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a health care facility licensed under this chapter may refuse to provide care to a rape survivor because the provisions of this section are inconsistent with the religious beliefs of the facility or the health care practitioner.” [Florida Legislative Archive, HB 507, A4, 3/18/02]
2000: Rubio Supported Restrictions On “Partial-Birth Abortions” With Exceptions For The Life Of The Mother. According to the Miami Herald, “Rubio supports restrictions on partial-birth abortions given that the mother’s life is not in danger and voluntary nonsectarian prayer in schools.” [Miami Herald, 1/20/00]
2000: Rubio Voted To Make Performing “Partial-Birth Abortions” A Felony With No Exceptions For Health Of The Mother. According to the Miami Herald, “With legislators calling late-term partial-birth abortions ‘infanticide,’ the state House of Representatives voted overwhelming on Wednesday to prohibit the practice, sending a bill to Gov. Jeb Bush, who said he’s ready to sign it into law. The vote came despite pleas from opponents who said that the U.S. Supreme Court, which is reviewing a similar Nebraska statute, may find such laws unconstitutional. The House voted 84-32 for the bill after a graphic description of the procedure from the House sponsor, who wielded a pair of scissors used in the operation, and fellow Republicans called it infanticide… The bill passed by the House Wednesday says, ‘Any person who intentionally kills a living fetus while that fetus is partially born commits the crime of partial-birth abortion, which is a felony of the second degree. . .’ Here is how House members from Miami-Dade and Broward counties voted. A ‘yes’ vote was a vote to outlaw the procedure and a ‘no’ vote was a vote to kill the proposed ban… Marco Rubio, R-West Miami, Y” [Miami Herald, 5/4/00]
Rubio: “I Believe It Is Outrageous That Hillary Clinton Supports Partial-Birth Abortion, Which Is A Gruesome Process That’s Been Outlawed In The United States.” According to Bloomberg, “The Republican presidential candidate continued: ‘I believe it is outrageous that Hillary Clinton supports partial-birth abortion, which is a gruesome process that’s been outlawed in the United States.’ He said he looks forward to ‘exposing’ her ‘radical’ and ‘minority’ positions on abortion in the general election.” [Bloomberg, 11/4/15]
2010: Rubio Indicated He Would “Support And Cosponsor” A Bill To “Defining That Life Begins At The Moment Of Conception.” According to the National Pro-Life Alliance 2010 Congressional Candidate Survey, “Would you support and cosponsor a Life at Conception Act defining that life begins at the moment on conception thereby resolving for all time, as stated by the Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade, “the difficult question of when life begins?” [Rubio:] Yes.” [National Pro-Life Alliance 2010 Congressional Candidate Survey, 7/6/10]
Time: Rubio Supported Personhood Measures. According to Time, “Potential 2016 Republican presidential hopefuls, including Florida Senator Marco Rubio and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, have previously supported personhood measures, although Walker did not respond to Time’s requests for comment on whether he would support the proposed amendment in his state.” [Time, 7/24/13]
[Video] Rubio: “I Believe Unborn Children Have Rights.” Bret Baier: How far do you go in what you’ve talked about to stand the line in defunding Planned Parenthood? Marco Rubio: To me, that’s not even a political issue, that’s a human rights issue. People don’t understand that, but to me that’s a human rights issue. They discuss it as a political issue, but to me, the sanctity of life is a human right issue. I believe unborn children have rights. That someone, just because they haven’t been born and don’t have a birth certificate and haven’t yet been named, doesn’t mean they don’t have rights.” [“Special Report with Bret Baier,” Fox News, 9/22/15; 150922_MM_71649]
[Video] Rubio: “An Unborn Child Should Be Welcomed Into Life And Protected In Law.” “The decision to abort or not to abort is one that is deeply personal and emotionally painful: a 14 year old girl who is pregnant and scared, a young single woman with her whole life ahead of her who simply doesn’t feel ready to have a child. We should not pretend that if we or someone we love were facing this decision that it would be an easy one. Those who argue that it is a woman’s right to make that choice point out that it’s the woman who must carry the pregnancy. It is her alone who will face the risks of childbirth. And too often, it is her alone who will have to provide for and raise the child. But there is another view that has to be considered too. For there is undeniably another person involved in this as well: an unborn child. This is not a statement of faith; it is a matter of medical science. And a human being has certain inalienable rights, primarily the right to live. And that is why this issue so deeply divides not just our politics, but also our families and our people. In weighing these two options, I know where I stand: An unborn child should be welcomed into life and protected in law. It seems to me a decent, humane society will take tangible steps to help women with unwanted pregnancies even as that society defends an unborn child’s right to live.” [Marco Rubio, Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, 7/23/14; American Bridge Tracking Footage 140723_KRD_024_B]
[Video] Rubio Said Science Has “Absolutely” Concluded That Life Begins “At Conception.” “Marco Rubio: Science has decided when it is human life. Reporter: Science has not decided it’s at conception. Rubio: Let me correct you. Science absolutely has. Science has concluded – absolutely it has. What else can it be? It cannot turn into an animal. It can’t turn into a donkey. […] Every single one of us started at that same stage, that it can’t become anything other than a human being. It’s neither up to you nor I, nor any politicians to decide that we’re going to allow this life to move forward and this life not to. A human being – it’s heart starts beating very early on in that process. By the time most people find out they’re even pregnant it is well developed.” [“New Day,” CNN, 8/7/15; 150807_MM_69029]
[Video] Rubio: “The Science Is Settled, It’s Not Even A Consensus, It Is A Unanimity, That Human Life Begins At Conception.” “Let me give you a bit of settled science that they’ll never admit to. The science is settled, it’s not even a consensus, it is a unanimity, that human life begins at conception. So I hope the next time someone wags their finger about science, they’ll ask one of these leaders on the left: ‘Do you agree with the consensus of science that human life begins at conception?’ It’s a proven fact. That’s a scientific consensus they choose to ignore.” [Sean Hannity Radio, 5/14/14; 140515_DJS_133_A]
[Video] Rubio: “I Believe And I’ve Always Advocated That Life Begins At Conception.” “Sean Hannity: Exceptions on abortion – rape, incest, mother’s life? Marco Rubio: I believe that human life is valuable irrespective of the circumstances of its creation and deserves the protection of our law. If I’m president and the only bill that can pass is one that has exceptions, that means we’re still going to save millions of lives, but I personally believe and I’ve always advocated that life begins at conception and all human life is worthy of protection.” [“Hannity,” Fox News, 4/13/15; 150413_MM_60544]
Rubio Said “The Science Is Settled” That “Life Begins At Conception.” According to MSNBC, “Let me give you a bit of settled science that they’ll never admit to,’ the likely 2016 presidential contender told Sean Hannity Wednesday. ‘The science is settled, it’s not even a consensus, it is a unanimity, that human life begins at conception. I hope the next time someone wags their finger about science, they’ll ask one of these leaders on the left: “Do you agree with the consensus of science that human life begins at conception?” [MSNBC, 5/15/14]
[Video] Rubio Called It An “Absolute Fact That Science Has Proven That Life Begins At Conception.” “Just because we believe that life – all human life – is worthy of protection at every state of its development does not make you a chauvinist. In fact, the people who are actually closed minded in American politics are the people that love to preach about the certainty of science in regard to our climate, but ignore the absolute fact that science has proven that life begins at conception.” [Marco Rubio, CPAC, Washington, DC, 3/14/13; 031413_LG_223_A]
On CNN, Rubio Argued Against Abortion Because “The Only Thing” A Fertilized Egg “Can Become Is A Human Being.” According to Slate, “When Rubio appeared on CNN after Thursday night’s Republican debate, he kept insisting that this vague entity called ‘science’ has declared that human life begins at conception. […] CNN host Chris Cuomo vainly tried to point out that ‘science’ says no such thing, and Rubio got a little excited. ‘Let me interrupt you. Science has—absolutely it has. Science has decided... Science has concluded that—absolutely it has. What else can it be?’ he asked. Then Rubio reared up for what he clearly intended as his wowza line: ‘It cannot turn into an animal. It can’t turn into a donkey. The only thing that that can become is a human being.’ Cuomo pointed out that Rubio was ‘oversimplifying it a little bit’: ‘It having a DNA map—so does a plant.’ The question of when you think a fertilized egg/embryo/fetus becomes a person is, Cuomo said, a matter of ‘faith. That’s not science.’ But Rubio, grinning with pleasure at the sick burn he’s about to administer, replied, ‘Well, if they can’t say it will be human life, what does it become, then? Could it become a cat?’” [Slate, 8/11/15]
2015: Rubio Noted That Am Embryo Was A Person Because “It Can’t Develop Into A Pony!” According to Bloomberg, “If an embryo is ‘not a person, what is it? Because if you left it alone, that’s the only thing it can become,’ he said. ‘It can’t develop into a pony!’ Though he didn’t mention it in his speech, Rubio has supported three exceptions to making abortion illegal—in cases of rape, incest and if the mother’s life is at stake.” [Bloomberg, 7/10/15]
2003: Rubio Voted For Bill That Allowed Charging An Individual With Murder For Killing An Unborn Child. In April 2003, Rubio voted for a bill that “includes death of unborn quick child under DUI manslaughter; makes killing of said child rather than killing of viable fetus ‘vehicular homicide’; provides that killing said child by injury to mother which would be murder in any degree if it resulted in death of mother is murder in same degree; provides that death of mother does not bar prosecution under specified circumstances, etc.” The bill failed to pass both houses of the Florida legislature, in the House by a vote of 70 to 44. No subsequent action was taken. [Florida Legislative Archive, HB 707, 4/29/03]
2008: Rubio-Led Florida House Passed Legislation Creating Separate Murder Charge For Causing A Pregnancy To Terminate. According to Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, “The Republican-led chamber also endorsed a ‘fetal homicide’ bill that would create a separate murder charge for anyone who caused a pregnancy to be terminated through an act of violence against a pregnant woman. It defines an ‘unborn child’ as a fetus at any stage of development, beginning at conception.” [Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, 4/3/08]
2008: Rubio Voted For A Bill That Made It Murder To Kill A Child At Any Stage Of Development Through Injury To The Mother. In April 2008, Rubio voted for a bill that provided, “that the unlawful killing of an unborn quick child, by any injury to the mother of such child which would be murder if it resulted in the death of such mother, shall be deemed murder in the same degree as that which would have been committed against the mother. The term ‘unborn quick child’ is defined in accordance with the definition of ‘viable fetus’ set forth in s. 782.071, F.S., which provides that a ‘fetus is viable when it becomes capable of meaningful life outside the womb through standard medical measures.’ HB 513 amends s. 782.09, F.S., by replacing the term ‘unborn quick child’ with ‘unborn child.’ The bill mirrors a recently-passed federal law by defining the term ‘unborn child’ as ‘a member of the species homo sapiens, at any stage of development, who is carried in the womb.’ The bill conforms terminology in the vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter statutes to refer to ‘unborn child.’” The bill passed both houses of the Florida legislature, in the House by a vote of 80 to 36. The legislation died in the Senate and no further action was taken. [Florida Legislative Archive, HB 513, 4/2/08]
Legislation Defined An “Unborn Child” As A Fetus At Any Stage Of Development, Beginning At Conception. According to the Orlando Sentinel, “The Republican-led chamber also endorsed a ‘fetal homicide’ bill that would create a separate murder charge for anyone who caused a pregnancy to be terminated through an act of violence against a pregnant woman. It defines an ‘unborn child’ as a fetus at any stage of development, beginning at conception.” [Orlando Sentinel, 4/3/08]
Opponents Of Fetal Violence Laws Worried That Establishing A Distinct Legal Status For Fetuses Could Lead To Roe V. Wade Being Overturned. According to Congressional Quarterly, “But opponents [of the underlying bill, who supported the substitute amendment] say that establishing a distinct legal status for fetuses in federal law might lead to challenges of the Supreme Court’s landmark Roe v. Wade abortion decision that would pit the rights of fetuses against the rights of pregnant women. ‘This bill is another strike at reproductive freedom and choice,’ said Louise M. Slaughter, D-N.Y. Lofgren’s amendment, based on the text of a bill (HR 2247) she sponsored, would create additional penalties for federal crimes against pregnant women without conferring a separate legal status on fetuses.” [Congressional Quarterly, 2/25/04]
Rubio: “I Have Problems With What Planned Parenthood Does.” In an appearance on Fox News’ “Fox and Friends,” Rubio said, “First of all, no program can be untouched. This notion by some of my colleagues here that this program can’t be touched and somehow it can’t be on the table is absurd. I don’t care what they do. There’s no program in our budget that should be off the table in terms of looking at it and understanding whether it’s justified or not. Second of all, we simply can’t afford to continue fund things like this. We are adding $12 trillion to our debt over the next ten years. That’s outrageous. I’m going to vote to defund it. Third, I have problems with what Planned Parenthood does and ultimately what the aim of their organization is. And it’s not their stated aims, it’s what they actually do.” [Fox News, Fox and Friends, 4/14/11]
Rubio Said He Was “Proud” That One Of His First Actions As Senator Was To Vote On Defunding Planned Parenthood. According to a tweet by Politico Reporter, Marc Caputo, “..--Rubio cont... ‘I’m proud that one of my first actions in the Senate was voting to defund this organization.’ 2/2” [Marc Caputo Twitter, 7/15/15]
[Video] Rubio: “I’m Going To Vote To Defund It. I Have Problems With What Planned Parenthood Does.” “First of all, no program can be untouched. This notion by some of my colleagues here that this program can't be touched and somehow it can’t be on the table is absurd. I don't care what they do. There’s no program in our budget that should be off the table in terms of looking at it and understanding whether it's justified or not. Second of all, we simply can't afford to continue fund things like this. We are adding $12 trillion to our debt over the next ten years. That's outrageous. I'm going to vote to defund it. Third, I have problems with what Planned Parenthood does and ultimately what the aim of their organization is. And it's not their stated aims, it's what they actually do.” [“Fox and Friends,” Fox News, 4/14/11; 110414_MM_71639_A]
[Video] Rubio Proposed Reallocating Planned Parenthood Funding To “Federally Qualified Health Centers That Don’t Do What Planned Parenthood Does.” According to a press release by Marco Rubio obtained via his Presidential Campaign, “What we’ve proposed is let’s take the money that Planned Parenthood gets, and let’s give it to federally qualified health centers that don’t do what Planned Parenthood does, but do provide women’s health care, which is important... If I’m President, we will deal with this issue. There’s no reason why Planned Parenthood should be receiving federal taxpayer funding. Especially after they’ve been exposed the way they have.’” [Marco Rubio For President, 9/22/15]
Marco Rubio Op-Ed: “Countless Organizations In America” Provided Healthcare To Women In Need, “None” Of Which “Receive The Undeserved Political Protection And Taxpayer Funding From The Federal Government That Planned Parenthood Has Enjoyed For Decades.” According to an opinion piece by Marco Rubio in Life News, “There are countless organizations in America that provide health care, including reproductive health care, to women in need. None of them receive the undeserved political protection and taxpayer funding from the federal government that Planned Parenthood has enjoyed for decades. A purported health care organization that has allowed itself to become this callous and dismissive of the human dignity of their patients and unborn life cannot be redeemed. We must defund Planned Parenthood and make sure that taxpayer dollars are never spent on abortions or organizations that demonstrate such a callous disregard for basic human dignity.” [Life News – Marco Rubio, 8/3/15]
[Video] Rubio Said That Planned Parenthood Funding Was Not A Political Issue But A Human Rights Issue. According to a press release by Marco Rubio obtained via his Presidential Campaign, “FOX News’ Bret Baier: So how far do you go to stand the line in what you’ve talked about defunding Planned Parenthood? Marco Rubio: To me, that’s not even a political issue. That’s a human rights issue. People don’t understand that, but to me that’s a human rights issue. They discuss it as a political issue, but to me, the sanctity of human life is a human rights issue. I believe that unborn children have human rights. That someone, just because they haven’t been born and don’t have a birth certificate or haven’t yet been named, doesn’t mean they don’t have rights. And Planned Parenthood is an organization that’s been caught repeatedly, and now on video, trafficking in fetal tissue of aborted children. It’s an outrageous process. Americans are outraged by it. And they don’t understand why are we continuing to fund, with taxpayer money, an organization that does this sort of thing. And so what we’ve proposed is let’s take the money that Planned Parenthood gets, and let’s give it to federally qualified health centers that don’t do what Planned Parenthood does, but do provide women’s health care, which is important. And what we should have said very early on is, ‘We’re going to pass budgets that do that.’ And then the President and the Democrats will have to decide whether or not they’re willing to shut down government over Planned Parenthood because they’re the ones that are threatening to shut down the government. It’s not Republicans.’” [Marco Rubio For President, 9/22/15]
The Guardian: At The RedState Gathering, Rubio Compared Federal Funding For Planned Parenthood To Federal Funding For The NRA. According to The Guardian, “Republican presidential candidates Marco Rubio and Carly Fiorina took the momentum each earned in Thursday’s night’s debates and carried it on to an Atlanta stage at RedState Gathering, a conference of conservative activists, on Friday. […] Rubio was more understated, spending more energy trying to emphasize his credentials as a social conservative. He compared the zeal of Democrats to use federal money to fund the reproductive health organization Planned Parenthood to the idea of Republicans trying to divert government funds to the NRA. The Florida senator also emphasized the importance of family. While he rehashed his familiar story of being the son of an immigrant bartender, he noted that he did ‘come from privilege’. After all, he said, he was raised in a two-parent, stable household.” [The Guardian, 8/7/15]
Rubio Signed A Letter Demanding That The Obama Administration Provide A Detailed Explanation Of The Federal Funding Of Planned Parenthood. According to Life News, “In order to stop the funding to the abortion company, lawmakers first need to have an understanding of every potential source of funding the abortion corporation currently receives from the federal government. To that end, Senator Rubio today joined with 123 members of Congress to demand the Obama Administration provide a detailed explanation of the federal funding of organizations that promote or perform abortions, notably Planned Parenthood and its affiliates. The lawmakers also called for an evaluation of funding for two non-governmental organizations that provide abortions and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which do not perform abortions but are forced to compete with Planned Parenthood for limited taxpayer dollars.” [Life News, 3/4/16]
Rubio Introduced Bill To Prevent Any Tax Dollars, Including PPP Loans, Going To Planned Parenthood. According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and several other Republican senators introduced the Protecting Funding for Women’s Healthcare Act, which would prevent any taxpayer dollars from going to the nation’s single largest provider of abortions, as the Biden Administration looks to reverse a rule that prevents Title X funds from going to abortion providers. This week, Rubio joined colleagues in urging the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra and the White House to preserve the rule and prevent taxpayer dollars from going to abortion providers. The Protecting Funding for Women’s Healthcare Act would apply to funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). In May 2020, Rubio, author of the PPP and former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, led 33 of his Senate colleagues and 94 Members of the House of Representatives in requesting that Jovita Carranza, former Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), conduct a full investigation into how 37 Planned Parenthood affiliates applied for and improperly received a total of $80 million in PPP loans. ‘Taxpayer dollars should never be used to fund organizations that perform abortions, an inhumane practice that a substantial percentage of Americans have a strong moral objection to,’ Rubio said. ‘Planned Parenthood should never receive federal funding, and this legislation would make that a reality. I am proud to join Senator Ernst in introducing this legislation, and I remain committed to fighting for the unborn.’” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 4/15/21]
July 2015: Anti-Abortion Group Center For Medical Progress Released Its First “Controversial Online Video” It Claimed Proved Planned Parenthood Sold Tissue Of Aborted Fetuses For Profit. According to CNN, “An anti-abortion group released a controversial online video Tuesday purportedly showing a top official at Planned Parenthood talking about body parts of aborted fetuses. The group contends the video is proof that Planned Parenthood sells organs and tissues, according to a news release from the Center for Medical Progress. Planned Parenthood says the money discussed on tape had to do with the cost to transport donated tissue. The advocacy group and provider of reproductive health services and education said that there is nothing unethical going on in the video, and Dr. Deborah Nucatola -- the senior director of medical services at Planned Parenthood Federation of America -- was talking about the organization’s participation in tissue donation programs. There were two versions of the video posted on YouTube -- an eight-minute, 51-second version and a ‘full’ version that is two hours and 42 minutes. The Center for Medical Progress says the video was shot on July 25, 2014, in a California restaurant over lunch. Two actors pose as employees of a human biologics company.” [CNN, 7/15/15]
Planned Parenthood Denied Profiting From Fetal Tissue Donations, Apologized For Tone Of Fetal Tissue Discussion In Center For Medical Progress Videos. According to The New York Times, “Ms. Richards responded to Planned Parenthood’s critics in a web video of her own, deploring as false the allegation that her group ‘profits in any way from tissue donation.’ She added, ‘Our donation programs — like any other high-quality health care providers’ — follow all laws and ethical guidelines.’ But Ms. Richards, after saying that ‘our top priority is the compassionate care that we provide,’ acknowledged: ‘In the video, one of our staff members speaks in a way that does not reflect that compassion. This is unacceptable, and I personally apologize for the staff member’s tone and statements.’ […] But several times during the discussion, Dr. Nucatola says that Planned Parenthood does not try to make money in providing fetal tissue to medical centers, research institutes or companies that act as middlemen. It charges $30 to $100, she said, to cover expenses like preservation, transport or shipping. It is against the law to profit from the sale of remains from aborted fetuses. Planned Parenthood can legally charge fees for its costs. Ms. Richards, however, said that the allegations of profiteering were ‘outrageous,’ and that Planned Parenthood would continue to donate fetal tissue for research on diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s when women choose to allow it. ‘It is always their decision,’ she said.” [New York Times, 7/16/15]
August 2015: Transcription Analysis Found The Center For Medical Progress Undercover Planned Parenthood Videos Were Manipulated And Without “Evidentiary Value In A Legal Context.” According to The New York Times, “Planned Parenthood on Thursday gave congressional leaders and a committee that is investigating allegations of criminality at its clinics an analysis it commissioned concluding that ‘manipulation’ of undercover videos by abortion opponents make those recordings unreliable for any official inquiry. […] A transcription service was hired to transcribe the videos, without being told that Planned Parenthood was the client, to compare with transcripts publicized by the anti-abortion group. That comparison, the analysis said, showed ‘substantive omissions’ in the group’s version. Mr. Simpson was assisted in the analysis by several others, including a video forensics expert, Grant Fredericks, and a television producer, Scott Goldie. According to the investigation, the reviewers could not determine ‘the extent to which C.M.P.’s undisclosed edits and cuts distort the meaning of the encounters the videos purport to document.’ But, it said, ‘the manipulation of the videos does mean they have no evidentiary value in a legal context and cannot be relied upon for any official inquiries’ unless C.M.P. provides investigators with its original material, and that material is independently authenticated as unaltered.” [New York Times, 8/27/15]
Center For Medical Progress “Released 10 Undercover Videos” Attacking Planned Parenthood And Fetal Tissue Donation Between July And October 2015. According to The Washington Times, “A federal judge in San Francisco ruled Tuesday that the pro-life Center for Medical Progress may comply with a congressional subpoena for undercover video footage related to its Planned Parenthood investigation despite a temporary restraining order. […] The center has released 10 undercover videos since July on the procurement of fetal tissue from abortions by Planned Parenthood clinics, prompting congressional investigations and calls for federal defunding of the organization.” [Washington Times, 10/6/15]
Rubio Said That Planned Parenthood Was Involved In “Atrocious Practices.” According to the Boston Globe, “He also lined up with his party as it has become increasingly critical of Planned Parenthood, a favorite target of social conservatives. […] . ‘They’re involved in atrocious practices that have been revealed over the last few weeks,’ Rubio said of Planned Parenthood, referring to covert recordings that purport to show the women’s health group trafficking in the for-profit sale of human fetal tissue. ‘Take the money that we use and give it to federally qualified local health providers,’ Rubio said in response to a woman’s question, saying those groups should be ones ‘that provide women with the kind of care that they need but without these atrocious practices.’” [Boston Globe, 8/26/15]
[Video] Rubio Called Planned Parenthood “A Radical Group That Basically Is Caught On Camera Talking About The Dismembering Of Children.” “Here you have a radical group that basically is caught on camera talking about the dismembering of children – of unborn children – of how they carefully manipulate then to insure that they can sell their organs in the marketplace. This is offensive stuff.” [Marco Rubio, Red State Gathering, Atlanta, GA, 8/7/15; 150807_cjs_192_A]
Rubio Op-Ed: “Planned Parenthood Is A Morally Bankrupt Organization.” According to an opinion piece by Marco Rubio in Life News, “There can be no denying that Planned Parenthood is a morally bankrupt organization. Americans of conscience might disagree on the legality of abortion. It is a contentious issue that elicits deep passions. But as a country, we should at least be able to find common ground on acknowledging and respecting the humanity and basic dignity of both the mother and the unborn child. It is clear from the videos that Planned Parenthood long ago stopped acknowledging either. At Planned Parenthood, women are treated as paying clients, not patients. Unborn children are treated as cells and tissues, not human beings. The organs and limbs of babies are treated as commodities, for sale to the highest bidder on an open market. And taxpayers are forced to fund this.” [Life News – Marco Rubio, 8/3/15]
Rubio Said He Was “Sickened By The Complete Disregard For Innocent Unborn Life Evident At Planned Parenthood.” According to a tweet by Politico Reporter, Marc Caputo, “Rubio: ‘I am sickened by the complete disregard for innocent unborn life evident at Planned Parenthood...[1/2]..” [Marc Caputo Twitter, 7/15/15]
Rubio Called Language Used By Senior Planned Parenthood Officials In The Videos, “Sickening, Shows A Complete Disregard For Innocent Unborn Life, Not To Mention Planned Parenthood’s Clients, And Speaks To An Organization That Is Morally Bankrupt.” According to a blog post by Alex Leary in the Tampa Bay Times, “Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio today joined calls for a congressional investigation into Planned Parenthood. ‘The videos speak for themselves,’ Rubio said a news release. ‘The cruel and callous language used by senior Planned Parenthood officials is sickening, shows a complete disregard for innocent unborn life, not to mention Planned Parenthood’s clients, and speaks to an organization that is morally bankrupt. There is simply no justification for an organization that fosters this kind of culture to receive a penny of taxpayer funding, and there should be a serious and impartial investigation into the grotesque practices revealed by the video.” [Tampa Bay Times, 7/22/15]
Rubio Op-Ed: Rubio Called For An Independent Investigation Into Planned Parenthood And Its Practices. According to an opinion piece by Marco Rubio in Life News, “The videos are tough to watch and tough to fathom, especially for parents. It’s not something any of us want to have to discuss. And yet like many other uncomfortable topics confronting our nation, we have an obligation to not avert our eyes. There is more than enough evidence to push forward with a serious and independent investigation into Planned Parenthood and its practices, like the one Governor Rick Scott has called for in our home state of Florida. I have asked the Secretary of Health and Human Services to do, but am not holding my breath for the Obama Administration to act. Congress should bring Planned Parenthood’s senior officials to testify under oath before the American people.” [Life News – Marco Rubio, 8/3/15]
Rubio Called For A Congressional Investigation Into Planned Parenthood. According to a blog post by Alex Leary in the Tampa Bay Times, “Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio today joined calls for a congressional investigation into Planned Parenthood. ‘The videos speak for themselves,’ Rubio said a news release. […] There is simply no justification for an organization that fosters this kind of culture to receive a penny of taxpayer funding, and there should be a serious and impartial investigation into the grotesque practices revealed by the video.” [Tampa Bay Times, 7/22/15]
Bloomberg HEADLINE: “Marco Rubio: Women Being ‘Pushed’ Into Abortions for Fetal Tissue Profits” [Bloomberg, 9/21/15]
[Video] Rubio: Planned Parenthood Is “Trafficking In Fetal Tissue Of Aborted Children.” “Planned Parenthood is an organization that’s been caught repeatedly and now on video trafficking in fetal tissue of aborted children. It’s an outrageous practice. Planned Parenthood is an organization that’s been caught repeatedly, and now on video, trafficking in fetal tissue of aborted children. And it’s an outrageous practice. Americans are outraged by it. And they don’t understand, why are we continuing to fund with taxpayer money an organization that does this sort of thing? And so what we’ve proposed is take the money that Planned Parenthood gets, and let’s give it to federally qualified health centers that don’t do what Planned Parenthood does, but do provide women’s healthcare, which is important. And so what we should’ve said very early on is, we’re going pass budgets that do that. And then the president and the Democrats will have to decide whether or not they’re willing to shut down government over Planned Parenthood, because they’re the ones that are threatening to shut down the government – it’s not Republicans.” [“Special Report with Bret Baier,” Fox News, 9/22/15; 150922_MM_71649]
Rubio Claimed That Planned Parenthood “Pushed” Young Women To Get Abortions In Order To Obtain Fetal Tissue From Their Aborted Fetuses. According to BuzzFeed, “Rubio said he believes Planned Parenthood is pushing women into getting abortions, and that fetal tissue from abortion has ‘created an industry.’ ‘That’s different from saying we’re going to take the fetal tissue of aborted fetuses, because now what you’ve done is you’ve created an industry,’ added Rubio. ‘Now what you’ve done is you’ve created an incentive for people to be pushed into abortions so that those tissues can be harvested and sold for a profit.” [BuzzFeed, 9/21/15]
Rubio Said That The Planned Parenthood Videos Revealed That “Abortion In America Is A Money Making Industry.” According to the Christian Examiner, “Moore referenced the Planned Parenthood videos in his question to Rubio, but did not ask the Senator about defunding the organization. Instead he asked if having a Republican or Democratic president mattered since America has had both since the legalization of abortion. ‘First of all, what those videos ... reveal is that abortion in America is a money making industry,’ Rubio said.” [Christian Examiner, 8/5/15]
Rubio Claimed That Planned Parenthood’s Affiliates Had “Created” And Industry And An “Incentive” For People To “Look Forward To Having More Abortions” In Order To Sell Fetal Tissue. According to BuzzFeed, “Rubio said he believes Planned Parenthood is pushing women into getting abortions, and that fetal tissue from abortion has ‘created an industry.’[…] ‘The idea that, in essence, you come in and it’s already predetermined: this is the direction that — this is what this place does, it provides abortions and we are going to channel you in that direction. ‘And I just think you’ve created an industry now, where you create the situation where very much you’ve created an incentive for people not just to look forward to having more abortions but being able to sell that fetal tissue for purposes — these centers — for purposes of making a profit off of it, as you’ve seen in some of these Planned Parenthood affiliates,’ he concluded.” [BuzzFeed, 9/21/15]
Rubio Said That While He Opposed The Use Of Fetal Tissue From Abortions For Research, He “Is Okay” With Research On Tissue From Miscarriages Or Natural End To Pregnancy. According to BuzzFeed, “Marco Rubio says while he is against fetal tissue research when the tissue is obtained from an abortion, he is okay with research done on tissue from a miscarriage or any other natural end to pregnancy. Fetal tissue donations from abortions have come under scrutiny from conservatives after an anti-abortion group released a series of videos which they claim show Planned Parenthood employees discussing the sale of tissues from aborted fetuses for profit. Planned Parenthood has denied the allegations. [...] ‘So there are cases, we’re now getting into the weeds on it, but it’s an important question,’ Rubio told an Iowa television station over the weekend. “And there are cases where a child is miscarried or there’s some other natural end of a [pregnancy].” [BuzzFeed, 9/21/15]
Rubio Said He Had A Relative Whose Organs Were Harvested And Used To Save The Lives Of Other People. According to BuzzFeed, “‘And in those cases if there’s something that can be salvaged from it that could help someone else, we’re for it, no different than organ donation where unfortunately someone who’s young and healthy dies in a car accident and — I’ve had a relative who died an untimely death and his organs were harvested and it helped save people and provide organs for them.’” [BuzzFeed, 9/21/15]
August 2015: Rubio Said He Would Do “Anything Possible” To Defund Planned Parenthood Because He Felt “Very Strongly About It.” According to Bloomberg, “With Congress set to begin debate on how to keep the government running next month ahead of a September 30 deadline, Rubio said he’d do ‘anything possible’ to defund the group. ‘I feel very strongly about it.’ Some conservatives, including presidential rival and Texas Senator Ted Cruz, have signaled they would rather shut down the government than continue the roughly $500 million in annual funds for the group. Rubio wouldn’t go quite that far but kept the door open. ‘Look, I want to defund Planned Parenthood. I believe the organization has forfeited its right to receive federal funds based on the revelations that have already come out,’ Rubio said, referring to recent undercover videos of officials for the women’s health provider discussing the sale of fetal tissue. ‘But again, we’ll see how that plays out. I’m not sure how that’s all going to play out.’” [Bloomberg, 8/26/15]
Rubio Vowed That Planned Parenthood Would Not “Receive A Penny From The Federal Government” By 2020 If He Were Elected President. According to Talking Points Memo, “Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) said on Friday at the 2015 Values Voter Summit that if he is elected President, Planned Parenthood will not ‘receive a penny from federal government’ by 2020. ‘All life is worth protecting because all life comes from God,’ Rubio said. He continued with a list of goals by the end of his first term as President. ‘And by 2020 Planned Parenthood doesn’t receive a penny from federal government,’ he said. Being pro-life is a ‘human rights’ issue, he said. ‘The pro-life issue is not a political one but one of human rights. It’s the most foundational issue,’ Rubio said.” [Talking Points Memo, 9/25/15]
Rubio Op-Ed: “Planned Parenthood Should Never Receive Another Dime From American Taxpayers.” According to an opinion piece by Marco Rubio in Life News, “America is the freest and most powerful nation on earth, and we have done more to advance the rights of all human beings in our brief history than any society before or since. The Planned Parenthood videos, and the behavior and culture they reveal, are anathema to our very identity as a nation and run counter to the great sacrifices generations of Americans have made in the defense of human dignity here and abroad. We cannot fulfill our promise as a nation by simply turning the other way when we are confronted with difficult realities. Planned Parenthood should never receive another dime from American taxpayers.” [Life News – Marco Rubio, 8/3/15]
Rubio Op-Ed: Planned Parenthood Used Over Half A Billion Dollars In Taxpayer Money To Carry Out Over 300,000 Abortions Every Year. According to an opinion piece by Marco Rubio in Life News, “Each year, over half a billion dollars in taxpayer money is given to Planned Parenthood, an organization responsible for over 300,000 abortions each year. While the provision of taxpayer money to such an organization has drawn its share of criticism over the years, the most recent revelations of Planned Parenthood’s actions reveal a new low for the organization.” [Life News – Marco Rubio, 8/3/15]
[VIDEO]: Rubio Said That The Government Did Not Need To Be Shut Down In Order To Defund Planned Parenthood. According to an interview with Marco Rubio by Politico’s Mike Allen at the Freedom Partners Summer Conference, “Allen: Should we shutdown the government over the Planned Parenthood videos? Rubio: I think that’s a false choice. I don’t see how we could continue to fund an organization that has been exposed the way it has. We should take the money and fund other community health orgs that provide the same service, without the abortions. I don’t think you need to shut down the government to do that. You should be asking the Democrats if they are willing to shut down the government to protect Planned Parenthood.” [Politico’s Mike Allen at the Freedom Partners Summer Conference, 8/2/15]
Rubio Asserted That He Supported “Fully” Funding The Government Except Funding Planned Parenthood. According to BuzzFeed, “‘No we’re not,’ Rubio said. ‘We are in support of funding the government fully — just not giving any more money to this one organization that was just caught on video dismembering unborn children! Or, in one case, a child that had already been born alive, as Carly did very well last night, outlining and describing the video.’” [BuzzFeed, 9/18/15]
Rubio Blamed President Obama And Senate Democrats For A Potential Government Shutdown Over Planned Parenthood Funding. According to BuzzFeed, “Florida Sen. Marco Rubio says a government shutdown over funding Planned Parenthood would be the fault of President Obama and Senate Democrats, an argument he says his fellow Republicans in Congress should have been making weeks ago. ‘On the issue of Planned Parenthood, the work should have begun weeks ago, laying the groundwork for this debate,’ said Rubio. ‘[…] ‘The point is this, on the Planned Parenthood issue: The people who are threatening a shutdown is Barack Obama, and his allies in the Senate,’ said Rubio. ‘What they’re arguing is: ‘If the federal budget does not fully fund Planned Parenthood, I will veto the budget, and hence shut down the government.’ That should be the message. Instead, it’s always the reverse, ‘the Republicans are going to shut down the government.’” [BuzzFeed, 9/18/15]
Rubio Called The Vote To Defund Planned Parenthood A “Show Vote.” According to the Des Moines Register, “Rubio said a conservative president is needed to support legislative changes made. ‘But we need to fight them in the court of public opinion,’ he said. ‘That’s the other thing we have to do. Sometimes they don’t even try.’ He pointed to Planned Parenthood as a prime example. ‘You have these horrifying videos put out,’ Rubio said. ‘And instead of saying: ‘We’re going to spend two to three months going out and into town halls, and aggressively talking to people about what this means, and convincing people that aren’t convinced yet, that we’re right on his cause so they can pressure their senator or congressman to vote the right way.’ ‘What do they say instead? ‘We’ll, we’re not going to win this vote anyway so we’ll do a show vote, but ultimately the president’s not going to sign it and we lost,’ Rubio said. ‘If you don’t even try, of course you lost. And more importantly, you haven’t set the table for the time when you can make that difference.’” [Des Moines Register, 10/1/15]
Life Site: Rubio “Cited A Need” To Fight Planned Parenthood “In The Court Of Public Opinion” Before Voting. According to Life Site, “Rubio also cited a need to ‘fight them in the court of public opinion’ before voting. He faulted Congressional leaders for holding the votes ‘instead of saying: ‘We’re going to spend two to three months going out and into town halls, and aggressively talking to people about what this means, and convincing people [who] aren’t convinced yet that we’re right on this cause so they can pressure their senator or congressman to vote the right way.” [Life Site, 10/6/15]
Breitbart: Rubio Skipped “A Critical Cloture Vote” To Defund The Government And Planned Parenthood “Without Risking A Shutdown.” According to Breitbart, “GOP primary contenders Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)80% and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC)47% skipped a critical cloture vote that allowed Senate Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)52% ‘s plan to fund the government, including Planned Parenthood, to move forward without risking a shutdown.” [Breitbart, 9/29/15]
September 2015: Rubio Effectively Voted To Shut Down The Federal Government By Passing A 10-Week Continuing Resolution That Defunded Planned Parenthood. In September 2015, Rubio effectively voted for a 10-week continuing resolution that defunded Planned Parenthood. According to Congressional Quarterly, the vote was on a “Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Cochran, R-Miss., substitute amendment no. 2669 that would provide continuing appropriations for government operations through Dec. 11, 2015, at an annual rate of about $1.017 trillion. It also would prohibit for one year federal funding for Planned Parenthood or its affiliates unless they certify that they will not perform, or fund other entities that perform, abortions during that period. The substitute amendment would redirect $235 million to community health centers.” The vote was on a motion to concur. The Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 47 to 52. The president signed the legislation into law. [Senate Vote 270, 9/30/15; Congressional Quarterly, 9/24/15; Congressional Actions, H.R. 719]
August 3, 2015: Rubio Voted To Defund Planned Parenthood. According to a blog post by Alex Leary in the Tampa Bay Times, “Sen. Marco Rubio stuck around Washington today to cast a vote to defund Planned Parenthood, a measure that failed to get 60 votes to advance. Rubio was scheduled to be in Manchester, N.H., for a candidate forum but did not want to miss the vote, which follows the release of covert videos about Planned Parenthood. Rubio will participate in the forum via video, as will Sens. Ted Cruz and Rand Paul.” [Tampa Bay Times, 8/3/15]
2015: Rubio Voted For Defunding Planned Parenthood. In August 2015, Rubio voted for barring all federal funding to Planned Parenthood. According to CNN, “The fight over funding for Planned Parenthood shifts to a must-pass government funding measure this fall after a procedural vote in the Senate on legislation that would have barred all federal funds for the group failed on Monday.” The vote was on cloture the Motion to Proceed; the motion was rejected by a vote of 53 to 46; 60 Senators voting yes would have been required to proceed. [Senate Vote 262, 8/3/15; CNN, 8/4/15]
2011: Rubio Stated That He Would Defund Planned Parenthood. While appearing on Fox News, when asked about defunding Planned Parenthood Rubio said, “Some of my colleagues here that this program can’t be touched, that somehow it can’t be on the table is absurd. I don’t care what they do. […] We simply can’t afford to continue to fund things like this. […] I’m going to vote to defund it. And I have problems with what Planned Parenthood does and what the aim of the organization is. And it’s not their stated aim, it’s what they actually do.” [Fox News, 4/14/11]
2011: Rubio Voted For A Bill To Defund Planned Parenthood. In April 2011, Rubio voted for prohibiting any funds appropriated in the recently-passed bill funding the government through the end of fiscal year 2011 from being made available to Planned Parenthood or any of its affiliates. The vote was on a continuing resolution that, according to the Congressional Research Service, “[d]irect[ed] the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 1473 (Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011) to prohibit any funds under such Act from being made available to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. or any affiliate of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc.” That change would have been made prior to sending H.R. 1473 – which had already passed both the House and Senate – to the president. The Senate rejected the concurrent resolution by vote of 42 to 58. [Senate Vote 60, 4/14/11; CRS Summary, H Con Res 36, 4/14/11]
Rubio Voted For Eliminating FY2011 Federal Funding For Planned Parenthood. In March 2011, Rubio voted for prohibiting any funds in the remainder of FY2011 from being used to fund Planned Parenthood. The provision was part of a continuing resolution to fund the federal government until the end of FY 2011 that, according to Congressional Quarterly, “would prohibit any funds in the bill from being made available to Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. or its affiliates.” The bill was rejected by the Senate by a vote of 44 to 56. The bill number was later used as the vehicle for another piece of legislation. [Senate Vote 36, 3/9/11; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1; Congressional Quarterly, 3/1/11]
[Video] Rubio: “I Believe That All Life Is Worthy Of The Protection Of Our Laws.” “Reporter: On the issue of life, Senator your mentioned that you believe life begins at conception. Do you believe that a fertilized egg has legal protections? Marco Rubio: I don’t know what you’re talking about. I believe all life is worthy of the protection of our laws. That’s what I believe. I believe that all life is worthy of the protection of our laws. I believe it is outrageous that Hillary Clinton supports partial birth abortion, which is a gruesome procedure that has been outlawed in the United States, but she supports it as a process issue that it be legal. I believe that a child – an unborn child – at 24, 25 weeks who is viable outside the womb, it should not be legal to abort. Hillary Clinton believes it should be. She’s in the minority on both of those issues. These are radical positions and I look forward to exposing them in the general election.” [Marco Rubio, Press Gaggle, Manchester, NH, 11/4/15; American Bridge Tracking Footage 151104_cjs_247]
Rubio “Promised To Be As Anti-Abortion As Humanly Possible,” Compared The Anti-Abortion Movement To “Civil Rights, Women’s Suffrage And The Abolition Of Slavery.” According to Jezebel, “In a speech Friday at the National Right to Life Convention, Senator and Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio promised to be as anti-abortion as humanly possible, calling abortion ‘indefensible.’ He compared the anti-abortion movement to civil rights, women’s suffrage and the abolition of slavery. Nothing is more presidential than a good string of raging hyperbole!” [Jezebel, 7/10/15]
“Throughout His Five Years In The Senate, Rubio Has Supported, And Co-Sponsored, Legislation That Restricts Abortion Rights For Women.” According to Washington Post, “Throughout his five years in the Senate, Rubio has supported, and co-sponsored, legislation that restricts abortion rights for women — but he’s been more of a low-profile persuader than a crusader. Some of the measures he backed included exceptions for rape and incest, and others did not. He is also part of a group of senators — including several of the other presidential candidates — pushing for a national 20-week abortion ban, and raised his hand to lead the effort in 2013. Anti-abortion rights groups urged him to take on the leadership position, hoping his reputation as a persuasive orator would benefit their message.” [Washington Post, 8/13/15]
Rubio Said That Science Had “Absolutely” Decided That Human Life Was Worthy Of Protection, Added “I Don’t Care How Much The World Changes.” According to an interview of Marco Rubio on CNN, “SEN. MARCO RUBIO (R), 2016 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: That the value of life is timeless. The - no, no, no, the value of life is timeless. The idea that a human life is worthy of the protection of our laws is not something that over time anybody should evolve on. I mean you can - you can change your economic policies to justify your economy's (INAUDIBLE) CUOMO: Right. But the idea - you're - you're deciding RUBIO: You can accept changes - the idea that human life is worthy of protection is a timeless (INAUDIBLE). I don't care how much the world changes. CUOMO: I know, but you're deciding when it is human life. Let me ask you something. You - when you're looking at the future RUBIO: No, science has decided when it is human life. CUOMO: Science has not decided it's at conception. RUBIO: No, let me correct you. Science has - absolutely it has. CUOMO: Not at conception. RUBIO: Science has decided that when a - science has concluded - absolutely it has. What else can it be? It cannot turn into an animal. I can't turn into a donkey. That's the law. The only thing that that can become is a human being. CUOMO: But you - no, but you know that the law has perused this. The fact that - look, of course, I understand the logic but it's a little too simple with RUBIO: Every human - human like. It can't be anything else.” [CNN, 8/7/15]
Rubio Op-Ed: “Our Government Today Falls Tragically Short Of This Duty By Failing To Protect The Rights Of The Most Defenseless In Our Society: Unborn Child.” According to an opinion piece by Marco Rubio in Life News, “As Americans we live in a nation founded on the idea that our rights and freedoms are God-given and that government’s fundamental role is to protect them. But our government today falls tragically short of this duty by failing to protect the rights of the most defenseless in our society: unborn children.” [Life News – Marco Rubio, 8/3/15]
Rubio Said That If Elected President He Will Work To “Advance The Cause Of Life At Home And Around The World.” According to Town Hall, “This weekend’s National Right to Life convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, proved that the pro-life movement is going to be a force in next year’s presidential election.[…] Among them was Florida Senator Marco Rubio: ‘It is a definitional issue about the kind of country we want to be. In a world where life is increasingly not valued, where people are summarily discarded, America must stand for the belief that all life is worthy of protection, because all life comes from God.’ […] ‘The White House needs an occupant who values and prioritizes life. And so my pledge to you is this: if you send me to that place, I will not forget this place. I will bring our advocacy to the White House, and we’ll get things done. We will advance the cause of life at home and around the world.” [Town Hall, 7/13/15]
2014: Rubio Affirmed His Pro-Life Stance, Said Americans Should Promote Marriage, That The Unborn Should Be Protected By Law. According to Associated Press, “He also said communities should work to fight abortion and to promote children born to married couples. He said he understands single-parent households — including in his extended family — but said abortion is not the answer. ‘There is undeniably another person involved in this as well: the unborn child,’ Rubio said. ‘An unborn child should be welcomed into life and protected in law.” [Associated Press, 7/23/14]
2012 Rubio: “It’s Not About Denying Anyone Rights, It’s About Protecting The Right Of Human Beings That Have Not Yet Been Born.” In an appearance on CBS’s Face the Nation, Rubio was asked, “SCHIEFFER: The president also in this interview hit Mr. Romney on abortion. He predicted if a president Romney is elected, he would not stand in the way if congress gave him a bill to strip away women`s control over their reproductive health. He`s basing this on the party platform, which states opposition to abortion, but does not take into account any kind of exception. RUBIO: Well, I think what`s important to understand, yes, Mitt Romney is pro-life, and the Republican Party -- although it has diversity on this issue -- is the home of the pro-life movement in American politics. So are a growing number of Americans, by the way. I mean, there is an increasing amount of evidence from public polling that the highest number of Americans ever identify themselves as pro- life. And for those of us who are pro-life like myself, this is not about an issue of denying anyone rights, this is an issue about protecting the rights of a human being to live, irrespective of what stage of development they may be. And so I think that’s what Mitt Romney and the Republican Party stand for. And I understand that America is divided on that issue. I understand that there is people of good faith and good will could have differences of opinions, but those of us who are pro-life believe strongly in the sanctity of life and that that life should be protected by our laws. And it’s not about denying anyone rights, it’s about protecting the right of human beings that have not yet been born.” [CBS, Face the Nation, 8/26/12]
Rubio Said He Will “Always Err On The Side Of Life” When It Comes Into Conflict With The Right Of Women To Control Their Own Bodies. According to an Op-Ed by Rubio in The Stream, “As a policymaker who is staunchly pro-life, I recognize that this debate puts two rights in conflict with one another: the right of women to control their bodies, and the right of every unborn child to live. For me, I will always err on the side of life. We must do everything we can to give every human a chance at life. Thankfully, this belief is still alive and well within the Republican Party.” [Op-Ed – Marco Rubio, The Stream, 2/1/19]
Rubio Said It Was Not A Coincidence That Declining Strength Of Families Has Occurred Since Legalization of Abortion. According to an Op-Ed by Rubio for The Daily Caller, “Put another way, no law can force someone to be a better parent or spouse. But government officials can start by being more explicit about what makes strong families. Marriage should be a lifelong commitment between two people. Married couples should have and raise children. Similarly, abortion at any stage of pregnancy ends a human life that has been created by God. That the declining strength of families has occurred during the same period since abortion was legalized by Roe v. Wade should be no surprise. These truths should guide the interpretation of our existing laws.” [Op-Ed – Marco Rubio, Daily Caller, 10/17/19]
Rubio Said Roe Made It Difficult To Make Abortion Safer. According to a press release from Rubio’s office about his appearance on the Hugh Hewitt Show, “What Roe V. Wade says is that no state can make abortion illegal. It doesn’t say what states can do. And as you’ve pointed out, there are states, and I anticipate there will be states, where the law will continue to be what it is. But what it does, what one of the things that Roe has done is it’s made it very difficult to make what’s already a terrible practice, to make it safer, or to ensure that some of the worst abuses don’t occur.” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 1/28/21]
Republican State Rep. Dennis Baxley Said Rubio’s Anti-Abortion Rights Stance “Is Core To How He Thinks.” According to Washington Post, “Rubio’s friend from those days, Florida state Rep. Dennis Baxley, considered one of the most socially conservative in the state legislature, said Rubio’s position on those issues ‘is core to how he thinks. Anytime we had ideas on the table to respect life, he was supportive.’ Yet, Rubio has always tried to articulate the message more subtlely. ‘I think all of us, Marco included, are afraid of getting pigeonholed on an issue,’ Baxley said. So it’s framed more as: ‘What are you doing to facilitate the success of the young mother … what are you doing for all Floridians to have a better chance?’” [Washington Post, 8/13/15]
[Video] Rubio: “A Majority Of Americans Don’t Agree With Me” On Abortion. Interview. Rubio says it’s not easy to not have an exception for rape but, “…I believe a human being, an unborn child has a right to live, irrespective of the circumstances they were conceived in. a majority of Americans don't agree with me on that. That’s why any law that limits abortions that passes will have exceptions. I personally believe all human life is worthy of the protection of our laws.” [ABC’s This Week: 160207_MM_79435_A.mp4, 2/7/16]
Rubio: “I Would Rather Lose An Election Than Be Wrong On The Issue Of Life.” While appearing at NH GOP Debate, Marco Rubio said, “RUBIO: I do support protection for the life of the mother because I’m pro-life. I just believe deeply that all human life is worthy of protection of our laws. If I’m president and there’s a bill that’s passed that saves lives but it has exceptions, I’ll sign it. But I do believe deeply that all human life is worthy of the protection of laws. I’ve already said, for me, the issue of life is not a political issue and I want to be frank. I would rather lose an election than be wrong on the issue of life.” [Washington Post, 2/6/16]
Washington Post: Recent GOP Presidential Nominees “From Both George Bushes To Mitt Romney” Were Less Extreme On Abortion Than Rubio. According to Washington Post, “Recent GOP presidential nominees from both George Bushes to Mitt Romney were further to the left than Rubio on abortion rights — they supported exceptions for rape and incest. And Jeb Bush, considered Rubio’s greatest rival for the GOP nod, also supports rape and incest exceptions, though Scott Walker goes further and does not support exceptions even for the life of the mother. Current GOP frontrunner, Donald Trump, is against abortion, but supports all three exceptions.” [Washington Post, 8/13/15]
Rubio “Embraced A Position On Abortion More Conservative Than Any Republican Presidential Nominee Since Ronald Reagan.” According to National Journal, “‘For our party,’ Rubio insisted on Meet the Press, ‘it’s incredibly important that we be seen as a movement about the future.’ And yet, in those same forums, Rubio underscored his renunciation of the comprehensive immigration-reform legislation he helped steer through the Senate in 2013, and embraced a position on abortion more conservative than any Republican presidential nominee since Ronald Reagan.” [National Journal, 8/13/15]
Rubio’s Position On Abortion Put Him At Odds With The Last Five Republican Presidential Nominees. According to Bloomberg, “The no-exceptions position abortion puts him in the same camp as Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin and former Governor Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, two presidential rivals who are vying for the important evangelical vote in Iowa, the state where the first ballots of the presidential contest will be cast. But it puts Rubio in opposition to the last five Republican presidential nominees.” [Bloomberg, 8/10/15]
[Video]: Rubio: “I Actually Do Believe That A Woman Has A Right To Choose With Her Body. The Problem Is That When There’s A Pregnancy, There’s Another Life Involved, And That Life Has A Right To Live.” “Every single year, unborn children in this country are killed legally through laws that allow that to happen. And, look, I recognize this is a tough issue. And I actually do believe that a woman has a right to choose with her body. The problem is that when there’s a pregnancy, there’s another life involved, and that life has a right to live. And so as policymakers, we have to choose between two competing rights. And I’ve chosen, as a matter of principle, to err and to choose the side of life in that debate.” [Glenn Beck Radio, 10/7/15; 151008_MM_72336_A]
Rubio Said He Believed That “Women Have The Right To Choose What To Do With Their Own Bodies.” According to a phone interview with Marco Rubio with The Skimm, “Well that’s not a yes or no question....I have said repeatedly that I understand how difficult it is, a young 15-year-old girl who finds herself pregnant and she’s scared and she has her whole future ahead of her. And I don’t in any way diminish that and I do believe women have the right to choose what to do with their own bodies. But in the case of a pregnancy there’s a second person involved and that’s an unborn human being…When confronted with two competing rights, the right to live and the right to choose, I’m forced to make a choice. And I’m gonna choose the side of life....in the cases [of rape or incest], they’re terrible tragedies, they’re horrifying. And luckily in the 21st century, we have treatments available early on after an incident that can prevent that fertilization from happening. And that’s why I support the morning after pill being available over the counter and I certainly support them being made available immediately for rape victims.” [The Skimm, 9/30/15]
[Video]Rubio: “It’s Not About Denying Anyone Rights, It’s About Protecting The Right Of Human Beings That Have Not Yet Been Born.” “I think what`s important to understand, yes, Mitt Romney is pro-life, and the Republican Party -- although it has diversity on this issue -- is the home of the pro-life movement in American politics. So are a growing number of Americans, by the way. I mean, there is an increasing amount of evidence from public polling that the highest number of Americans ever identify themselves as pro- life. And for those of us who are pro-life like myself, this is not about an issue of denying anyone rights, this is an issue about protecting the rights of a human being to live, irrespective of what stage of development they may be. And so I think that’s what Mitt Romney and the Republican Party stand for. And I understand that America is divided on that issue. I understand that there is people of good faith and good will could have differences of opinions, but those of us who are pro-life believe strongly in the sanctity of life and that that life should be protected by our laws. And it’s not about denying anyone rights, it’s about protecting the right of human beings that have not yet been born.” [“Face the Nation,” CBS, 8/26/12; 120826_10_10291_ROMNEY]
Rubio Used The Example Of A Single Mother “Lost And Alone, She Has Spent The Better Part Of Her Young Life In Search Of Someone To Love Her” To Defend His Pro-Life Position. According to a transcript of a speech delivered by Marco Rubio to the National Right To Life Convention, “Today, somewhere in Florida, a young single mother will give birth to her first child. Maybe she comes from a broken home, or maybe, even worse, she has grown up bouncing from one foster home to the next. In either case, she’s probably grown up in poverty, trapped in failing schools. She reads at a low reading level. She never graduated high school. Lost and alone, she has spent the better part of her young life in search of someone to love her. And, in that quest, she has been in and out of a series of relationships with irresponsible and abusive men, including the now absent father of her new child. While she receives a significant amount of public assistance, it has done little to improve her life. She is trapped in poverty. Up to this point in her life, little has gone right for her. But today, her life has changed forever. Today, she held her firstborn child in her arms for the first time. And at that moment, she was no different than parents all over the world, rich and poor, privileged and disadvantaged alike. Today, when she looked into the eyes of her child for the first time, she saw what your mother saw in your eyes and what my mother saw in mine. She saw all the hopes and dreams she once had for herself. And in her heart burns the hope that everything that has gone wrong in her life will go right for that child, that all the opportunities she never had, her child will.” [Marco Rubio Campaign, 7/10/15]
Asked “What About The Mothers Of These Unborn Children?” Rubio Responded, “The What?” According to Bustle, “One tweet summed up how the GOP candidates viewed abortion and women’s reproductive rights by quoting a tell-all mishearing by Marco Rubio. When asked, ‘What about the mothers of these unborn children?’ Rubio responded, ‘The what?’ He obviously knows what women are (I hope), but his answer highlights how all the debaters ignored women’s rights when talking about treating fetuses like people protected by the Constitution.” [Bustle, 8/6/15]
Rubio On Glenn Beck’s Use Of Oregon Shooting To Pivot To Abortion: Oregon Is “Terrible Tragedy,” “But You’re Right, Every Single Year Unborn In This Country Are Killed Legally.” According to Buzzfeed News, “‘Again, terrible tragedy what happened in Oregon, but you’re right, every single year unborn in this country are killed legally, through laws that allow that to happen,’ Rubio said when radio host Glenn Beck asked him to respond to Hillary Clinton’s comments on the Oregon shooting, which Beck used to pivot to the issue of abortion.” [Buzzfeed News, 10/8/15]
Vox: Rubio Was “Setting The Stage” For The General Election And “Saying That While He Doesn’t Personally Support Exceptions For Rape And Incest, He’d Be Happy To Support Abortion Bans That Preserve These Exceptions.” In a Vox blog, Andrew Prokop wrote, “Rubio’s setting the stage for a distinction between his personal views and which policies he’d actually pursue. He’s saying that while he doesn’t personally support exceptions for rape and incest, he’d be happy to support abortion bans that preserve these exceptions. From there, he’s just a short distance away from the even more general-election-friendly position that would go something like this: ‘It’s clear the American people want exceptions for rape and incest. So while my own personal views are different, I won’t try to pursue policies to that end.’” [Vox, 12/7/15]
Associated Press: Rubio “Has Been Finessing His Statements” On Abortion And His Tone And Emphasis Shifted Since The Summer. According to Associated Press, “Since then, Rubio has been finessing his statements. In an interview with The Associated Press, Rubio said he unequivocally backs abortion exceptions when the life of the mother is in danger. He said he also would back legislation with allowances for cases of rape and incest — even though he personally doesn’t support those exceptions. ‘I, as president, will sign a bill that has exceptions,’ he said. ‘I’ve supported bills that have exceptions.’ ‘I do not personally require a bill to have exceptions — other than life of the mother — in order for me to support it,’ Rubio added. ‘But I will sign a bill as president that has exceptions.’ While Rubio’s policy position remains the same, his tone and emphasis in the interview were notably different than in the August GOP debate, when he bristled at a question suggesting he supported allowing women to end pregnancies that resulted from rape or incest. ‘I have never said that,’ Rubio said at the time. ‘And I have never advocated that. What I have advocated is that we pass laws in this country that say all human life at every stage of its development is worthy of protection.’” [Associated Press, 11/25/15]
Ron Brownstein Column: Rubio’s Abortion Position “Could Prove A Heavy Load In A General Election.” In a column for National Journal, Ron Brownstein wrote, “With his assured debate performance, Rubio showed why many Republicans believe he offers the most compelling contrast to Hillary Clinton, the likely Democratic nominee. Yet the position he clarified on abortion could prove a heavy load in a general election. Polls show three-fourths of Americans (and even 71 percent of Republicans) oppose banning abortion in cases of rape. From George H.W. Bush in 1988 through Mitt Romney in 2012, every Republican presidential nominee has proposed to ban abortion, but also supported exceptions for rape, incest, and saving the life of the mother. The last GOP candidate to advance a position as hard-line as Rubio’s was Ronald Reagan in 1980 and 1984.” [National Journal, 8/13/15]
Washington Post: Rubio’s Abortion Stance “Underscores A Broader Predicament,” “How To Portray Himself As A Representative Of The ‘New America’ While Defending Views […] That Are Out Of Step With Much Of The Public.” According to the Washington Post, “Rubio, 44, emphasized during the debate in Cleveland that he has never advocated allowing abortions in cases of rape or incest and said the current generation would eventually be viewed as ‘barbarians’ for legalizing the procedure. […] The issue also underscores a broader predicament facing the son of Cuban American immigrants if he wins the Republican nomination: how to portray himself as a representative of the ‘new America’ while defending views on gay marriage, drugs, abortion, Cuba and other issues that are out of step with much of the public, particularly younger voters.” [Washington Post, 8/11/15]
Rubio Opposed Abortion Without Exception But Supported Torture And The Death Penalty. According to the Huffington Post, “GOP presidential candidate Marco Rubio opposes abortion without exception. If elected, he vows to end abortions in all circumstances, including rape, incest and endangerment to the mother. ‘I’m pro-life. It’s as simple as that,’ Rubio says. To Rubio, all lives are sacred -- until the baby is born, and then he or she is on their own. He is anti-abortion, but he is not pro-life. He supports torture and the death penalty. He voted against reauthorizing the Violence against Women Act and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. He voted to bar the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gases.” [Huffington Post, 8/19/15]
Rubio Said Future Generations Will Consider Us Barbarians Over Abortion. According to a video posted to his personal Twitter Rubio said, “I’m convinced that future generations will look back at these years and these decades and see the sheer volume and numbers of human beings that were never allowed to take the first breath outside the womb and be horrified by it and call us and consider us to have been barbarians.” [Twitter - @marcorubio, 1/20/22]
Rubio Announced Co-Sponsorship Of “Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act” Which Would Allow Family Members To Sue Providers Who Perform Abortions On Babies With Down Syndrome. According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “Rubio co-sponsored legislation […] Senator James Inhofe’s (R-OK) bill would prohibit providers from knowingly performing abortions on an unborn baby because he or she has or may have Down syndrome. The bill also bans anyone from forcing a mother to get an abortion because the baby has or may have Down syndrome. Certain family members of the baby would be able to bring forward civil action against violators of the law. The bill shields a mother from being prosecuted or held liable for any one of these violations.” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 1/29/21]
Opponents Of Reason Bay Bills Say They Result In Elected Officials Interfering In Deeply Personal Decisions. According to PBS, “Opponents of the bills, including some parents with children who have Down syndrome, argue that elected officials should not be meddling with a woman’s deeply personal decision on whether to carry a pregnancy to term after a Down syndrome diagnosis.” [PBS, 5/19/21]
Rubio Signed Onto Amicus Brief That Called For Supreme Court Reconsider And Overrule Roe In Dobbs v. Jackson. According to the Washington Examiner, “Possible Republican presidential contenders have asked the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, the ruling that legalized abortion nationwide, arguing in court documents the 1973 decision was unconstitutional. GOP lawmakers possibly positioning themselves for a 2024 presidential run, such as Sens. Tom Cotton and Marco Rubio and Govs. Ron DeSantis of Florida and Greg Abbott of Texas, petitioned the Supreme Court this week to throw out Roe in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which is on the court’s agenda for the 2021-2022 term. ‘If the Court construes Roe ... as prohibiting the assertion of vital state interests in regulating abortion — such as protecting women from dangerous late-term abortions ... these precedents should be reconsidered and, where necessary, wholly or partially overruled,’ Rubio and Cotton wrote with 42 other senators and 184 House members in a brief filed to the Supreme Court on Thursday. The term ‘viability’ is key in this case because infants are generally believed to be able to survive outside the womb after 22-24 weeks gestation. However, obstetricians vary in their determination of viability. Meanwhile, 12 Republican governors, including DeSantis and Abbott, filed their own amicus brief this week to pressure the court to overturn Roe, arguing the decision to legalize the procedure should be left to individual states. ‘Rather than creating a federal constitutional right, the Court should leave regulating abortion to the States, where the people may act through the democratic process,’ the brief said. ‘This Court should … help restore the constitutional (but currently disrupted) balance between the Federal Government and the States.’” [Washington Examiner, 8/1/21]
Rubio Op-Ed: “Every January Marks The Tragic Anniversary Of One Of The Most Egregiously Flawed Supreme Court Decisions In Our Nation’s History”—Roe V. Wade. In a Quad City Times op-ed Marco Rubio wrote, “Every January marks the tragic anniversary of one the most egregiously flawed Supreme Court decisions in our nation’s history. Since the Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion in 1973, tens of millions of children have been denied life, and America has in turn been denied the gifts God gave them. Make no mistake: Life is a definitional issue. It tells us what sort of society we are. If the right to life is not guaranteed for all, then our society is not truly equal. A nation that cannot guarantee a right to life cannot guarantee liberty. And of course, without life, there is no ability to pursue happiness.” [Quad City Times, 1/19/16]
2015: Rubio Called Roe V. Wade An ‘Egregiously Flawed Supreme Court Decision.” According to Bloomberg, “At the National Right to Life Convention on Friday, Florida Senator Marco Rubio touted his opposition to abortion rights, long a prerequisite for being a viable Republican presidential candidate. Speaking to the crowd in New Orleans, he hit all the necessary notes — legal abortion is ‘the taking of innocent life on a massive scale’; Roe v. Wade was an ‘egregiously flawed Supreme Court decision’; the case for abortion rights is ‘indefensible.’” [Bloomberg, 7/10/15]
Rubio Called The Case For Abortion Rights “Indefensible.” According to Bloomberg, “At the National Right to Life Convention on Friday, Florida Senator Marco Rubio touted his opposition to abortion rights, long a prerequisite for being a viable Republican presidential candidate. Speaking to the crowd in New Orleans, he hit all the necessary notes — legal abortion is ‘the taking of innocent life on a massive scale’; Roe v. Wade was an ‘egregiously flawed Supreme Court decision’; the case for abortion rights is ‘indefensible.’” [Bloomberg, 7/10/15]
[Video] Rubio: “I Don’t Think Roe V. Wade Is Constitutionally Solvent.” “Host: You think Roe V. Wade should be overturned correct?” Marco Rubio: Just on legal fronts, I don’t think Roe V. Wade Is constitutionally solvent. Host: And ergo should be overturned? Rubio: Yes.” [Yahoo Screen, 1/12/15; 150112_MM_71632_A]
January 2013: Rubio On Roe V. Wade Decision: “Tragic Anniversary Of One Of America’s Most Blatant Instances Of Judicial Activism.” According to a press release from the office of Senator Marco Rubio, “U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement regarding the 40th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision: ‘Today marks the tragic anniversary of one of America’s most blatant instances of judicial activism that paved the way for the destruction of innocent unborn life.” [Official Website of Senator Marco Rubio, 1/22/13]
Rubio: “Since [Roe v. Wade] Tens Of Millions Of Our Nation’s Unborn Babies Have Been Denied The Chance To Celebrate A Birthday.” According to a press release from the office of Senator Marco Rubio, Rubio stated: “Since this decision, tens of millions of our nation’s unborn babies have been denied the chance to celebrate a birthday, begin kindergarten or go on to contribute their God-given talents to our world. As a U.S. senator, I am privileged to serve in a position that allows me to fight for the lives of the unborn. I will continue to fulfill my duty to fight to reduce the number of abortions. As with many of our nation’s most important debates, the battlefield of this issue is in the hearts and minds of the American electorate, and I pray that we can one day live in a society that fully cherishes every life from conception until death.” [Official Website of Senator Marco Rubio, 1/22/13]
[Video] Rubio: “There's A Strong Disagreement In America About Whether Roe v. Wade Should Be The Law Of The Land. And There's Also A Constitutional Disagreement About Whether It Was An Appropriate Decision.” “Matt Lauer: On the subject of abortion, he said in an interview that the issue, quote, ‘is a matter for the courts, and it's been settled for some time in the courts.’ You called Roe v. Wade the most egregious and devastating example of a court that waded into policymaking. So do you agree with Mitt Romney that it has been settled by the courts? Is that the view of the Republican Party? Marco Rubio: Well, I mean, from a legal point of view, Roe v. Wade is currently the law of the country. From a moralistic point of view and a political point of view and other point of view, there's a strong disagreement in America about whether Roe v. Wade should be the law of the land. And there's also a constitutional disagreement about whether it was an appropriate decision.” [“Today Show,” NBC, 8/29/12; 120829_MM_71636_A]
January 2011: Rubio Called The Roe V. Wade Decision “Tragic.” According to a press release from the office of Senator Marco Rubio, “As thousands gather in Washington today for the 38th Annual March for Life, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio expressed his solidarity with participants and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting pro-life policies and promoting a culture of life: ‘I proudly stand in solidarity with those attending today’s March for Life, as well as all those across the country who share its objectives.” [Official Website of Senator Marco Rubio, 1/24/11]
2010: Rubio Indicated He Would “Support And Cosponsor” A Bill To Define Life As Beginning At Conception, “Thereby Resolving For All Time, As Stated By The Supreme Court In Roe v. Wade, ‘The Difficult Question Of When Life Begins?’” According to the National Pro-Life Alliance 2010 Congressional Candidate Survey, “Would you support and cosponsor a Life at Conception Act defining that life begins at the moment on conception thereby resolving for all time, as stated by the Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade, “the difficult question of when life begins?” [Rubio:] Yes.” [National Pro-Life Alliance 2010 Congressional Candidate Survey, 7/6/10
Rubio: “If You Do Not Believe Roe V. Wade Should Be Overturned, You Are Not Pro-Life.” According to The Miami Herald, “Harsh attacks traded by Crist and Rubio dominated the event, which marked the second time all major candidates for Florida’s open U.S. Senate seat appeared together. Rubio, who said Friday he would repay the party $3,000 for the double billing that he called a ‘mistake,’ tore into Crist’s anti abortion credentials in front of about 400 religious conservatives. ‘If you do not believe Roe v. Wade should be overturned, you are not pro-life,’ Rubio said. He added, referring to Crist’s statement during his 2006 campaign that he would rather change hearts than law: ‘Senators can’t change hearts. Only God can change hearts.” [Miami Herald, 2/28/10]
Rubio Said The Roe V. Wade Decision Was A “Catastrophe” With “Horrifying” Results. According to Palm Beach Post, “Republicans Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio didn’t mention each other by name Saturday at a Christian Family Coalition forum. But the U.S. Senate rivals were clearly battling. Rubio said politicians are pro choice unless they support overturning Roe vs. Wade, a ruling Rubio called a ‘catastrophe’ with ‘horrifying’ results. It was a swipe at the governor, who says he is anti abortion but would ‘rather change hearts’ than change the abortion law. ‘Senators can’t change hearts. Only God can change hearts,’ said Rubio, a former state House speaker. ‘Senators can help change the law,’ he continued. ‘Senators can make sure that judges confirmed to the United States Supreme Court understand that Roe v. Wade is bad law constitutionally and morally and it should be overturned.” [Palm Beach Post, 2/28/10]
Rubio Advocated To Overturn Roe V. Wade Saying, “Unborn Children Have The Right To Live.” According to The Weekly Standard, “Crist’s vulnerabilities with conservatives go beyond fiscal issues. In March, he appointed a liberal judge to the state supreme court. Last year, Crist told National Review that he’s ‘pro-life’ but doesn’t think Roe v. Wade should be overturned, and he couldn’t name a single restriction on abortion he would call for in Florida. Rubio thinks Roe should be overturned on constitutional and moral grounds; he says simply: ‘Unborn children have the right to live.” [The Weekly Standard, 5/18/09]
Rubio Said “Roe V. Wade, [Was] Wrong” And He Struck “A Firmer Position Against Abortion Rights Than Crist.” According to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, “Rubio also struck a firmer position against abortion rights than Crist. […] Rubio said that the landmark Supreme Court case that legalized abortion, Roe V. Wade, is wrong. ‘The rights of a mother end where the rights of their unborn children begin,’ Rubio said.” [Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 5/14/09]
2005: Rubio: “Roe V. Wade Is A Constitutional Stretch,” “Legally Flawed.” During an interview with Florida Bar News, Rubio was asked, “The Christian Family Coalition gave you a 100 percent approval rating for your pro-life and pro-family philosophies. Is that something you are proud of?” Rubio answered, “I am, on two grounds. Again, I don’t know what the legislative role is in this, because it’s been decided at the federal level. But from a legal perspective, I think that Roe v. Wade is a constitutional stretch. I understand why it was done politically. It’s a very divisive issue. I’ve never changed anyone’s mind on it. And I can’t imagine anyone changing my mind on how I feel about abortion. But I think it is legally flawed. I don’t think there is an existing constitutional protection. Now, if someone wants to amend the constitution to create one, I think that is valid. If they want to do that, I disagree, but I think that is valid. If they statutorily want to create that, that is free, as well. I don’t believe the privacy clause of the constitution, however, could be expanded to include abortion. So I have problems with it constitutionally. And I have personal views about abortion.” [Florida Bar News, 4/1/05, Pg. 1 (2) Vol. 32 No. 7]
Rubio: “I Don’t Think There Is An Existing Constitutional Protection” For Abortion, But Would Not Support An Amendment. During an interview with Florida Bar News, Rubio was asked, “The Christian Family Coalition gave you a 100 percent approval rating for your pro-life and pro-family philosophies. Is that something you are proud of?” Rubio answered, “I am, on two grounds. Again, I don’t know what the legislative role is in this, because it’s been decided at the federal level. But from a legal perspective, I think that Roe v. Wade is a constitutional stretch. I understand why it was done politically. It’s a very divisive issue. I’ve never changed anyone’s mind on it. And I can’t imagine anyone changing my mind on how I feel about abortion. But I think it is legally flawed. I don’t think there is an existing constitutional protection. Now, if someone wants to amend the constitution to create one, I think that is valid. If they want to do that, I disagree, but I think that is valid. If they statutorily want to create that, that is free, as well. I don’t believe the privacy clause of the constitution, however, could be expanded to include abortion. So I have problems with it constitutionally. And I have personal views about abortion.” [Florida Bar News, 4/1/05, Pg. 1 (2) Vol. 32 No. 7]
[Video] Rubio On Whether He Would Have A Roe V. Wade Litmus Test: “No Nominee Will Answer That Question” But He Wanted A Candidate That Had A Proven Record. Interview. While appearing on MSNBC’s Townhall, Chuck Todd asked Rubio if he would have a Roe v Wade litmus test, “no nominee will answer that question…” Rubio says he wants a candidate that has a proven record. [MSNBC’s Town Hall with Marco Rubio and Chuck Todd:160309_MM_81854_E.mp4, 3/9/16]
Rubio Said “Senators Can Make Sure That Judges Confirmed To The United States Supreme Court Understand That Roe V. Wade… Should Be Overturned.” According to Palm Beach Post, “Republicans Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio didn’t mention each other by name Saturday at a Christian Family Coalition forum. But the U.S. Senate rivals were clearly battling. Rubio said politicians are pro-choice unless they support overturning Roe vs. Wade, a ruling Rubio called a ‘catastrophe’ with ‘horrifying’ results. It was a swipe at the governor, who says he is anti abortion but would ‘rather change hearts’ than change the abortion law. ‘Senators can’t change hearts. Only God can change hearts,’ said Rubio, a former state House speaker. ‘Senators can help change the law,’ he continued. ‘Senators can make sure that judges confirmed to the United States Supreme Court understand that Roe v. Wade is bad law constitutionally and morally and it should be overturned.” [Palm Beach Post, 2/28/10]
2010: Rubio Indicated Support For Removing Federal Court Jurisdiction Over Abortion. According to the National Pro-Life Alliance 2010 Congressional Candidate Survey, “Will you support legislation which, under Article III, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, would remove from the federal courts jurisdiction over the question of abortion?” [National Pro-Life Alliance 2010 Congressional Candidate Survey, 7/6/10]
Rubio Announced Opposition To Nomination Of Wendy Sherman As Deputy Secretary Of State Over Her Past Advocacy Of Reproductive Rights. According to an Op-Ed by Rubio for Fox News, “Ambassador Wendy Sherman, who served as President Obama's under secretary of state for political affairs from 2011 to 2015, is not qualified to serve as our next deputy secretary of state. Sherman's appearance before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last Wednesday made this abundantly clear. In her confirmation hearings, the ambassador dodged substantive questions on her role in failed foreign policies, including the disastrous Iran nuclear deal that she helped negotiate. This alone should be disqualifying, but for anyone familiar with her past work, there is another enormous reason for concern: Sherman’s radical position on abortion. The story begins in the early 1990s, when Sherman served as one of the first directors of EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest pro-abortion political action committee. Her time in leadership saw the organization grow significantly and expand abortion advocacy in national politics. That on its own should cause Senate Republicans, and any senator who values the sanctity of life, to think twice about her nomination. Sherman’s abortion advocacy has extended well beyond our own borders. While serving in the Clinton administration’s State Department, she helped to advance efforts to advocate abortion access around the world. Referring to a United Nations program on women, she wrote, ‘Our intent... was to support reproductive choice. As a matter of principle, we believe that abortion should be safe, legal and rare. We believe that women should be provided the means to prevent unwanted pregnancies.’ Of course, for many Democrats, ‘safe, legal and rare’ has given way to ‘unlimited abortion, no questions asked,’ or, worse yet, the actual celebration of tragedy, as seen in the social media campaign to ‘Shout your Abortion.’ Wendy Sherman is no bystander in this movement to normalize abortion as ‘health care.’ Her work in leftwing politics continued into the Obama administration. Afterward, Sherman beat the pro-abortion drum as a senior advisor for an international consulting company run by Democrats. In a USA Today op-ed about the 2017 Women’s March – published a day before President Trump even took office – she made clear that there was no negotiating when it came to issues such as ‘reproductive rights,’ warning, ‘[W]e are here; we will not relent; we will not give up.’ The U.S. State Department plays an integral role in protecting and advancing the fundamental rights of women and girls around the world. Through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. supports critical programming for maternal and child health to ensure that every human being has the same chance to fulfill his or her God-given potential. But with Sherman as the number two in charge, we would risk allowing our programs to be hijacked and turned into a propaganda machine for advocating abortion-on-demand worldwide.” [Op-Ed – Marco Rubio, Fox News, 3/8/21]
Rubio Blamed Abortion Decision Leak On “Far Left” And Said It Was To Intimidate Supreme Court. According to a tweet from Rubio’s personal account, “The next time you hear the far left preaching about how they are fighting to preserve our Republic’s institutions & norms remember how they leaked a Supreme Court opinion in an attempt to intimidate the justices on abortion.” [Twitter - @marcorubio, 5/2/22]
Rubio Added That Leftists Demand “We Protect Our ‘Norms’” Except If They Do Not Like The Outcome. According to a tweet from Rubio’s personal account, “Democrat leftists demand we protect our “norms” & defend our “democracy” unless our norms and democracy result in an outcome they don’t like.” [Twitter - @marcorubio, 5/2/22]
Rubio Equated Ian Millhiser Congratulating Leaker With January 6th Capitol Attack. According to a tweet from Rubio’s personal account, “I wonder if the Jan 6th commission will now be looking into these leftist calls to insurrection? Quote Tweet Ian Millhiser @imillhiser · 12h Seriously, shout out to whoever the hero was within the Supreme Court who said “fuck it! Let’s burn this place down.” [Twitter - @marcorubio, 5/3/22]
Rubio Said Purpose Of Abortion Decision Leak Was To Intimidate The Court And Start A Near-Riot. According to Business Insider, “Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican and former presidential candidate, has previously opposed exceptions for rape or incest, but wouldn't repeat those views on Tuesday. But he has supported legislation with exceptions out of political expediency to getting abortion restrictions passed. ‘My position on abortion has been stated repeatedly,’ Rubio said. ‘You can look it up, it's online. I'm not opining on any decision on the court that hasn't been made yet. This is all just an effort to try to intimidate the court and start a near-riot outside of the court building to try to scare judges and justices.’” [Business Insider, 5/3/22]
Rubio Accused Democrats Of Only Considering Court Rulings That Help Them Politically Legitimate. According to a tweet from Rubio’s personal account, “While only a final opinion can tell us what the court has decided on abortion we have already learned that the only #scotus rulings democrats consider the legitimate “law of the land” are those that help them politically or supports their agenda.” [Twitter - @marcorubio, 5/4/22]
Rubio Accused “Deranged Leftists” Of Attempting To “Incite Domestic Terror.” According to a tweet from Rubio’s personal account, “Deranged leftists are urging followers to disrupt church services across America this Sunday And they published the addresses of SupCt justices & are planning to target their homes I hope President Biden & democratic leaders will condemn this attempt to incite domestic terror.” [Twitter - @marcorubio, 5/5/22]
Rubio Called Supreme Court’s Decision To Overturn Louisiana’s Abortion Law “A Stain On Our Nation’s History.” According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a statement after the Supreme Court issued a decision in June Medical Services, LLC v. Gee. The case was a challenge to a Louisiana abortion law, the Unsafe Abortion Protection Act, that requires physicians performing abortions to have admitting privileges, which is the ability to directly admit a patient into the hospital when emergencies arise, within thirty miles of the facility where the abortion is performed. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Louisiana’s law. On January 2, 2020, Rubio joined over 200 of his colleagues in Congress in filing an amicus brief in support of the Louisiana law. ‘Today’s troubling decision is another recent ruling that veers sharply from the Founders’ intention of the role of the Judiciary: to interpret the law as it is written. The Left’s dangerous, continued assault on the right to life and a sympathetic judiciary content to legislate from the bench is a stain on our nation’s history. I will continue to do everything I can to protect the fundamental right to life for every person — born or unborn.’” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 6/29/20]
Press Release: Rubio Joined An Amicus Brief In The Case of Whole Woman’s Health V. Cole Urging The Supreme Court To Uphold The Constitutionality Of The Texas Abortion Law, H.B. 2. According to a Marco Rubio press release obtained via Marco Rubio Senate Office, “U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today issued the following statement regarding his participation in an amicus brief, filed in the case of Whole Woman’s Health v. Cole which urges the Supreme Court to respect the judgment of the Texas legislature and uphold the constitutionality of Texas’s abortion law[…] ‘This March, the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on the constitutionality of Texas’s abortion law, or H.B. 2, which requires Texas abortion doctors to have the right to admit patients to local hospitals and subjects abortion clinics to the same regulations that apply to ambulatory surgery centers. This law is designed to safeguard women who choose to have abortions by ensuring that all Texas clinics are sanitary, regulated and in proximity to a hospital in the event complications arise. ‘I am proud to join my Senate and House colleagues in filing a brief urging the Supreme Court to respect the judgment of the Texas legislature. The current Texas law best protects the safety and well-being of women who choose to have abortions, and serves as a model for other states to follow. Until we can put an end to abortion and protect life once and for all, transparency at abortion clinics must be a priority and all abortion doctors and clinics should be subject to the same health and sanitation procedures that apply to other surgical centers.’” [Marco Rubio Senate Office, 2/3/16]
Rubio “Incredibly Disappointed” Supreme Court Overturned Texas’ Restrictions On Abortion Services. According to a press release from Rubio’s office, “U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today commented on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, striking down a Texas law that requires abortion clinics whose doctors can admit patients to hospitals subject to the same regulations that apply to ambulatory surgery centers. The Texas law, H.B. 2, is designed to safeguard women who choose to have abortions by ensuring that all Texas clinics are sanitary, regulated and in proximity to a hospital in the event complications arise. ‘With the Supreme Court issuing its final opinions of this term, we were reminded again of just how high the stakes are when it comes to appointing Justice Scalia’s successor. Kermit Gosnell is a name we should never forget, given the atrocities he committed against women and unborn children in unsafe and unsanitary conditions that inspired this Texas law. I’m incredibly disappointed that the Supreme Court has struck down what I believe is an appropriate response to make sure that women and unborn children aren’t ever again subjected to the atrocities that took place in Kermit Gosnell’s facilities. At every level of government, we should be doing everything we can to protect women and unborn children who may fall prey to abortion clinics led by butchers like Kermit Gosnell.’” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 6/27/16]
2005: Rubio Voted For Bill Revising Florida Agency For Health Care Administration Rules Regarding Abortion Clinics. In May 2005, Rubio voted for a bill that called for revising requirements for rules of AHCA regarding abortion clinics performing abortions after first trimester of pregnancy; requiring rules that prescribe standards for physical facilities, supplies & equipment, personnel, screening & evaluation, abortion procedure, recovery, follow-up care, & incident reporting; and providing that rules regulating abortion clinics may not impose unconstitutional burden. The bill passed both houses of the Florida legislature, in the House by a vote of 97 to 19. The bill went on to be signed by the governor. [Florida Legislative Archive, H 1041, 5/5/05]
2002: RUBIO VOTED TO REQUIRE DOCTORS TO DO MORE REPORTING ABOUT ABORTIONS THEY PERFORMED
2002: Rubio Voted For Bill That Created The Women's Health & Safety Act. In February 2002, Rubio voted for a bill that “Women's Health & Safety Act; creates said act; revises requirements for reporting by medical directors & physicians of terminations of pregnancies; provides penalty; provides for disciplinary action for successive failures to report; revises requirements for rules of AHCA re abortions performed in abortion clinics; provides for rules re abortions performed after first trimester of pregnancy, etc..” The bill passed the Florida House legislature by a vote of 77 to 44. No subsequent action was taken. [Florida Legislative Archive, HB 1223, 3/18/02]
2010: Rubio Urged Crist Not To Veto HB 1143, A Bill That Would Require Women To Have An Ultrasound Prior To An Abortion. According to Florida Times-Union, “While most of the heated debate around an abortion measure passed in the waning hours of the 2010 legislative session has focused on a provision requiring a woman to have an ultrasound before undergoing an abortion, the legislation also includes a potential political land mine for Gov. Charlie Crist. If Crist vetoes the bill, as he has indicated he is likely to do, he will also be nixing language that supporters say will bar taxpayer funding of abortions. […] In fact, Rubio highlighted the issue in a statement last month on the abortion bill, House Bill 1143.” [Florida Times-Union, 6/2/10]
Rubio Supported HB 1143. According to Florida Times-Union, “In fact, Rubio highlighted the issue in a statement last month on the abortion bill, House Bill 1143. ‘If Governor Crist vetoes this legislation, he will clear the way for taxpayer funding of abortion in Florida, an extreme policy which runs contrary to the mainstream values most Floridians share,’ Rubio said.” [Florida Times-Union, 6/2/10]
April 2010: Florida Legislature Passed HB 1143, A Bill “Requiring That An Ultrasound Be Performed On Any Woman Obtaining An Abortion.” In April 2010, the Florida legislature passed bill that “requiring that an ultrasound be performed on any woman obtaining an abortion; specifying who must perform an ultrasound; requiring that the ultrasound be reviewed with the patient prior to the woman giving informed consent; specifying who must review the ultrasound with the patient; requiring that the woman certify in writing that she declined to review the ultrasound and did so of her own free will and without undue influence.” The bill passed both houses of the Florida legislature, in the House by a vote of 76 to 44. The bill went on to be vetoed by the governor. [Florida Legislative Archive, H 1143, 4/30/10]
During The Early Stages Of Pregnancy, “The Only Way To Make The Fetal Heartbeat Audible Is To Use A Transvaginal Ultrasound.” According to The Huffington Post, “Transvaginal ultrasounds can be used for diagnostic purposes, as well as to check the fetal heartbeat in the early stages of a pregnancy. They have made headlines in the past few years because several states have debated or passed legislation forcing women to undergo the procedure before getting abortion. ‘Half of the 10 states that have mandatory ultrasound laws, in effect if not words, require a vaginal ultrasound because those laws mandate making the fetal heartbeat audible or require specific information for gestational age,’ said Elizabeth Nash, state issues manager for the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive health research organization. ‘Early in pregnancy, the only way to make the fetal heartbeat audible is to use a transvaginal ultrasound.” [Huffington Post, 9/11/13]
Rubio Boasted On His Campaign Website: “As A State Legislator, I Supported Various Pieces Of Pro-Life Legislation That, Among Other Things, Would Require Doctors To Perform Ultrasounds Before Performing Abortions.” According to PolitiFact, “Of the three Republican candidates, former House Speaker Marco Rubio is expected to secure his party’s nomination. Rubio is fiercely anti-abortion. He boasts on his campaign website: ‘As a state legislator, I supported various pieces of pro-life legislation that, among other things, would require doctors to perform ultrasounds before performing abortions and another bill that would ban the use of taxpayer dollars to fund stem cell research.” [PolitiFact, 6/22/10]
2008: Rubio-Led Florida House Passed Legislation Requiring Ultrasound Exam Before Abortion. According to Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, “The Florida House on Wednesday mounted what critics called a two-pronged assault on abortion rights, passing legislation that would require pregnant women to undergo ultrasound exams before getting abortions and effectively defining life at conception for criminal prosecutions. Any woman seeking to terminate a pregnancy would be required to pay for an ultrasound procedure - and view the results unless she signed a waiver - before having the abortion, under a bill passed by the House largely along party lines.” [Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, 4/3/08]
Ultrasound Bill Called For “An Ultrasound Evaluation For All Patients” Seeking An Abortion, Not Just Those In Their Second Or Third Trimester. Florida legislative bill HB 0257 established “rules relating to the medical screening and evaluation of each abortion clinic patient. At a minimum, these rules shall require: A physical examination, […] the appropriate laboratory tests, […] [and] An ultrasound evaluation for all patients.” [Florida Legislative Archive, H 0257, 3/24/08 Version]
Ultrasound Bill Mandated That The “Physician Is Responsible For Estimating The Gestational Age Of The Fetus Based On The Ultrasound Examination.” Florida legislative bill HB 0257 stated that the preforming “physician is responsible for estimating the gestational age of the fetus based on the ultrasound examination and obstetric standards in keeping with established standards of care regarding the estimation of fetal age as defined in rule and shall write the estimate in the patient’s medical history. The physician shall keep original prints of each ultrasound examination of a patient in the patient's medical history file.” [Florida Legislative Archive, H 0257, 3/24/08 Version]
Bill Required That Ultrasound Images Be Available To The Patient. Florida legislative bill HB 0257 stated that “The person performing the ultrasound must allow the woman to view the live ultrasound images.” [Florida Legislative Archive, H 0257, 3/24/08 Version]
2013: Rubio Voted To Support Prohibiting Funds To The United Nations As Long As Any Member Nation Required Involuntary Abortions. In March 2013, Rubio voted for an amendment that, according to CQ, “would create a 60-vote point of order against any legislation that would provide taxpayer funds to the United Nations when any member nation compels its residents to have involuntary abortions.” If it had passed, it would have effectively required that 60 senators vote. The amendment was to the Senate budget resolution for fiscal year 2013; the Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 38 to 61. [Senate Vote 86, 3/23/13; CQ, 3/23/13]
Rubio Called The Women’s Health Protection Act A “Radical Pro-Abortion Bill” That Was “Grotesque And Barbaric.” AccordAing to a Press Release from Rubio’s Office, “U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a statement regarding the so-called Women’s Health Protection Act (H.R.3755), a radical pro-abortion bill to override pro-life laws in states across the country. ‘This bill would enshrine in law the ability to kill innocent, unborn babies at any point during pregnancy,’ Rubio said. “It is grotesque and barbaric.’” [Press Release – Sen. Rubio, 2/28/22]
Rubio Called Democrats Voting On Abortion Bill As First Priority After Recess “Messed Up.” According to the Family Research Council, “Across the Atlantic, U.S. leaders push to do more. Democrats, as usual, had different priorities. ‘I think it's interesting, right, that the first thing we did when we got back from recess in the Senate is a vote on an abortion on demand bill [that] basically would wipe out by federal law any restrictions of any kind on abortion...’ Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said on ‘Washington Watch.’ ‘So I just think it tells you how messed up these people's priorities are.’” [Family Research Council, 3/3/22]
Rubio Said Bernie Sanders’ Call To Eliminate Filibuster After Abortion Decision Leak Was “Legalizing The Killing Of Unborn Children.” According to a tweet from Rubio’s personal account, “Translation: Let’s change the rules of the Senate to pass a federal law legalizing the killing of unborn children right up to the day of delivery.” [Twitter - @marcorubio, 5/2/22]