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Lautenberg Leads Rally Supporting Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Dueling protests brought out passionate pro-life advocates and Planned Parenthood supporters to Englewood, New Jersey Tuesday morning.

Decked out in pink, proponents of Planned Parenthood demanded that funding for the organization continue. They were led by Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who in a news release said he was "committed to leading the charge in the Senate to protect women from the Republicans in Congress who are trying to take away their access to health care services."

RELATED STORY: Rally Held To Protest House Measure On 'Planned Parenthood' Funding

Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 240-185 to block federal aid to Planned Parenthood, which receives over $300 million from Washington. The measure, however, is unlikely to get through the Democratic majority in the Senate.

Tuesday, both sides in the debate made their voices heard.

"Planned Parenthood is about women's health -- plain and simple. And not only do they provide me with medical care, but they gave me a lot of information about my body and my health," one woman told 1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg.

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1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg speaks with advocates on both sides of the debate

"They provide information, they don't promote abortion -- that's ridiculous," another Planned Parenthood supporter said.

Pro-life advocates, however, protested loudly nearby and objected to federal funding for the organization saying "somebody has to stand up for the unborn children."

"We're talking about funding an organization with taxpayer money that performs abortions," one pro-lifer said.

"98 percent of pregnant women enter these doors have abortions. They are abortion incorporated," said another woman.

Sen. Lautenberg, booed by protesters against funding for Planned Parenthood, egged on his opponents, who he characterized as "Tea Party Republicans" with an "extremist ideology."

"Let's hear their boos against cancer screening -- hey where are they so quiet," Lautenberg said. "Taken an Aspirin, think about this and maybe you'll feel better in the morning."

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