Marco Rubio Unapologetically Pro-Life Despite Zika Virus Concerns

MIAMI, FL — As Florida’s Zika virus case count continues to climb, Sen. Marco Rubio has come out against abortions for women infected by the condition that can cause birth defects in babies. The Florida Republican, a staunch pro-life supporter, doesn’t think abortion should be an option even if severe microcephaly is suspected.

Rubio’s comments on the issue come on the heels of Florida earning the dubious distinction of being the first state in the country to confirm locally acquired cases of Zika virus. As of Friday, the Florida Department of Health had confirmed 351 travel-related cases and 16 non-travel related cases of Zika virus. A total of 55 cases involving pregnant women have also been confirmed in the state, bringing the Florida total to 422.

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness that is characterized by a fever, rash and joint pain. While the illness typically resolves within a week, some severe cases may require hospitalization.

The CDC has confirmed that the Zika virus is responsible for causing severe defects in unborn children, including microcephaly, which leaves babies with abnormally small heads and often with brains that do not develop properly.

See also:

• U.S. Mosquitoes Transmit Zika Virus for First Time
• Florida Promises ‘Aggressive Mosquito Control Efforts’
• Zika Virus in Florida: March of Dimes Offers Advice, Warnings for Pregnant Women
• Congress Vacations While Zika Virus Spreads Locally in U.S.
• 1st Baby Born With Zika Virus-Related Defect Born In Florida

Despite the risks associated with Zika virus, Rubio told Politico he believes “all human life is worthy of protection of our laws. The question, he said, is a difficult one, “but, if I’m going to err, I’m going to err on the side of life.”

Rubio is running for re-election to his U.S. Senate seat this year. He announced plans to seek another term in office after calling off his run for the Republican nomination for president.

Earlier this year, President Barack Obama requested $1.9 billion in funding from Congress to help pay for mosquito control, research into a vaccine and other measures to combat Zika within the country. While that proposal received some support from both Democrats and Republicans, the issue ultimately became bogged down in Congress.

A bipartisan compromise bill was eventually floated, but failed. Another attempt was made before the summer recess, but that, too, failed due to disputes about provisions that would have restricted funding for birth control in the United States and Puerto Rico, NBC reported. The failed July bill also represented a significant reduction in Obama’s requested $1.9 billion with only about $1.1 billion allotted.

Congress isn’t expected to reconvene until September.

To read more about Rubio’s stand on abortion and Zika virus, check out Politico’s full story.

Photo courtesy of the Marco Rubio Facebook page