Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D., N.Y.) issued a passionate defense of abortion provider Planned Parenthood during a hearing on Tuesday, and she had one of her talking points shot down by an unlikely source: Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards.
Maloney cited mammograms as an example of "life-saving services provided by Planned Parenthood" in a statement decrying efforts by "anti-choice extremists" to defund the organization.
"To the best of my knowledge, not any [Planned Parenthood clinics] have mammogram machines," Richards said in response to a question by Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R., Wyoming.).
Maloney appeared to react with surprise when Lummis asked Richards about Planned Parenthood's provision of mammograms.
Planned Parenthood is the largest abortion provider in the country, responsible for 327,653 abortion procedures in 2013 according to its annual report. Planned Parenthood issues referrals to official mammogram facilities for customers as part of its battery of non-abortion services, but it does not perform mammograms.
Maloney is an unwavering supporter of legal abortion, last week voting No to a bill that would require health care practitioners to administer medical care to babies that survive abortions. Maloney's pro-choice views have earned her contributions from NARAL Pro-Choice America, among other groups.
Maloney attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony of a Planned Parenthood facility in May, according to a press release issued by the abortion provider.
"I am thrilled that Planned Parenthood of New York City is opening a new branch in my district in Long Island City, offering women and girls in my district easier access to Planned Parenthood’s high-quality, affordable health care," Maloney said in the press release.
Transcript below:
REP. CAROLYN MALONEY: When you read this, there are certain things that jump out. All of the signatories are men, none of whom will get pregnant, or need a cervical screening for cancer, or mammograms, or a Pap smear, or other life-saving services provided by Planned Parenthood.
REP. CYNTHIA LUMMIS: Thank you, Ms. Richards, for being with us today. My first question is, how many Planned Parenthood clinics have mammogram machines?
CECILE RICHARDS: There aren't any Planned Parenthood clinics—I believe, to the best of my knowledge, not any have mammogram machines at their facility.