A rally in support of Planned Parenthood was held in Syracuse Wednesday just three weeks after dozens called for the non-profit's federal funding to be cut at a separate event. Elizabeth Jeneault explains why allies of the organization felt it was necessary to make their stance heard.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Allies of Planned Parenthood say there are countless reasons why they're standing behind it.
"They provide tons of different services to women and men and to just generally everybody who needs them," said Shannon Sutorius, a 17-year-old.
But those supporters are standing in the face of strong opposition. Opposition that has grown in the wake of videos released by an anti-abortion group. Those videos claim to show Planned Parenthood officials discussing the illegal sale of fetal tissue.
"The videos that have been coming out are fraudulent and portray Planned Parenthood in a way that has already shown to be false," said Betty DeFazio, of Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York.
But not all feel that way. Many believe the organization is profiting off abortion. That's why dozens gathered recently in Syracuse to call for the non-profit's federal funding to be cut. While Republicans in Congress are planning a second attempt to do just that, some party members say that move doesn't make sense.
"I feel like the voice of the party has swung, especially on this issue, way, way, way to the right and most of us are moderates," said Kevin Curtis, a Republican.
Planned Parenthood allies hope Reps. John Katko and Richard Hanna, both Republicans, reject any of those efforts. They say it wouldn't make sense to put 4,000 women locally out of access to the non-profit's services.
"I know there's a lot of people in need and it's just that basic health care, that when you walk into Planned Parenthood, you know you're going to get," said Ann Marie Taliercio, a former Planned Parenthood patient.