WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 28: U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) listens during a news conference on a comprehensive immigration reform framework January 28, 2013 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. A group of bipartisan senate members have reached to a deal of outlines to reform the nation immigration laws that will provide a pathway for the 11 million illegal immigrants in the country to citizenship. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Rubio: No abortions for Zika-infected women
02:00 - Source: CNN

Story highlights

The number of cases in Florida has been rising

Zika has been linked to microcephaly in babies born of infected women

Washington CNN  — 

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio says he opposes abortions for women infected with Zika, as the health crisis sweeps his home state.

“I understand a lot of people disagree with my view – but I believe that all human life is worthy of protection of our laws. And when you present it in the context of Zika or any prenatal condition, it’s a difficult question and a hard one,” Rubio told POLITICO Saturday. “But if I’m going to err, I’m going to err on the side of life.”

The Centers for Disease Control has reported 1,825 cases of Zika through last Friday, including 322 cases in Florida. The mosquito-borne virus has been linked to microcephaly in babies born of infected women.

As the number of cases has increased rapidly, Florida Gov. Rick Scott has called on Washington lawmakers to approve new funding to combat the spread of the virus.

Rubio, who recently reversed course and decided to seek re-election to the Senate in November, took a tougher stance against abortions during his failed White House bid.

His office did not immediately respond to request for comment.