The United States Congress left for the summer recess before dealing with the impending doom of the Zika virus, and now Florida is under attack from Zika-infected mosquitoes.
While on the campaign trail last month, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) said that it's a "difficult question" whether to women with Zika, which causes devastating birth defects, should be allowed to get an abortion. He claimed he would prefer to force women to give birth and "err on the side of life." It's consistent with Rubio's belief that all abortion should be illegal, even in the case of rape and incest.
The attack against Rubio comes from women's rights group NARAL Pro-Choice America, which is spending $175,000 on a TV ad in Orlando and West Palm Beach beginning today, according to Politico.
"Marco Rubio voted against funding health clinics that provide critical care during this public health emergency," the ad alleges. "And Marco Rubio continues to be against a woman's right to choose an abortion, even if they are infected with the Zika virus."
The House managed to pass an $1.1 billion funding measure that senate Democrats are currently blocking, saying that the bill has abortion restrictions and plays politics with women's health. Supporting such a bill is an example of "putting [Rubio's] agenda ahead of the health and safety of women and families," NARAL says.
Gov. Rick Scott (R-FL) was expected to come to Washington, D.C. this week to beg for Zika funding from the government, but Hurricane Hermine caused him to cancel the trip.
Sen. Rubio has supported Zika funding in the past when given the opportunity.
Check out the ad below:
NARAL previously released a video attacking anti-choice Republicans for playing politics with Zika funding, which you can view below:
NARAL also released this attack on Rubio in June:
