On Thursday, March 30th, 2017, Vice President Mike Pence was called to the senate chambers to break a tie on the advancement of a bill that would give the right to defund Planned Parenthood back to the states.

This vote was heavily criticized as Vice President Pence had held a forum on the empowerment of women just a day beforehand. But with the Vice President’s lengthy history with access to healthcare as the Governor of Indiana, how could you have expected him to vote otherwise.

Planned Parenthood is an organization that provides low-income families with affordable and accessible healthcare year round, and makes sure that everyone who wants care can receive it.

Contrary to popular belief, Planned Parenthood caters to both women and men. Providing free cancer screenings, HIV/AIDS testing, breast exams, tests and treatments for sexually transmitted diseases and more.

Planned Parenthood is not only for young people: eighty-four percent of their patients are over the age of 20.

Vice President Mike Pence was called into the Senate on Thursday to break a 50-50 tie on the bill regarding Planned Parenthood. He voted to give the right to defund these vital institutions back to the states.

This vote could ultimately remove care from the households and families of over 10 million Americans who rely on the services of Planned Parenthood, and who otherwise would not be able to receive the quality of care they provide on a daily basis.

In the wise words of Washington Senator, Patty Murray, “We just saw a historic moment,” said Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) “It is a sad day for the United States Senate.”