Marco Rubio doesn't believe Zika-infected pregnant women should be able to have abortions

In an interview with Politico, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (R) said he does not think pregnant women with the Zika virus should have the right to an abortion.

The Zika virus is linked to severe birth defects in babies born to infected mothers, including microcephaly. "I understand a lot of people disagree with my view — but I believe that all human life is worthy of protection of our laws," Rubio said Saturday. "And when you present it in the context of Zika or any prenatal condition, it's a difficult question and a hard one. But if I'm going to err, I'm going to err on the side of life." He added that his stance remains the same even if a pregnant woman believes her child will be born with severe microcephaly.

Rubio called microcephaly a "terrible prenatal condition that kids are born with, and when they are, it's a lifetime of difficulties. So I get it. I'm not pretending to you that that's an easy question you asked me. But I'm pro-life." There are 422 known cases of Zika in Florida, and Rubio said he has voted for every possible Zika bill.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up