WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today released the following statement regarding the latest Center for Medical Progress video involving a Texas abortion provider:

“I am shocked at the contents of this footage, and I’m saddened that much of it involves a late-term abortionist from Austin, Texas. The doctor in question laughs that harvesting a fetal brain is something she hasn’t been able to do yet, but will be ‘something to strive for!’ At another point, the women laugh as one describes severed baby organs like hearts and livers as ‘cute.’

“There is nothing ‘cute’ about the contents of this video. There is nothing ‘cute’ about abortion providers’ callous disregard for human life. With every video release, we are reminded that these practices are not limited to a few Planned Parenthood employees; these practices are institutionally pervasive and encouraged from the very top. Once again, I am asking a simple question: are these our values?

“Planned Parenthood’s practices are horrifying, and the organization is not worthy of taxpayer funding. Gov. Abbott’s efforts to protect the lives of the unborn should be emulated in states across the country, and I will continue to lead the fight in the U.S. Senate to defund Planned Parenthood and direct funding to alternatives that offer high-quality, affordable women’s health care.”

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