Jeb Bush: 'I misspoke' on 'women's health issues' comment

It was a comment made in passing, but the quip by GOP presidential contender Jeb Bush questioning the amount of money spent on women's health issue immediately drew the ire of opponents.

Bush, speaking Tuesday at a Southern Baptist Convention event in Nashville, was asked about federal funding for Planned Parenthood. The former Florida governor pledged to stop providing federal funding for the organization, but his answer included an aside on funding in general.

"I'm not sure we need half a billion dollars for women's health issues," Bush said, before continuing an explanation for how he would like to use money currently going to Planned Parenthood.

The statement didn't go over well:

Bush later issued a statement, saying in part, "I misspoke."

“With regards to women’s health funding broadly, I misspoke, as there are countless community health centers, rural clinics, and other women’s health organizations that need to be fully funded. They provide critical services to all, but particularly low-income women who don’t have the access they need," Bush said in the follow-up statement walking back his comment.

The comment comes two days before Bush and nine other GOP presidential contenders are set to take the same stage for the first debate of the Republican presidential primary.

Reach Dave Boucher at 615-259-8892 and on Twitter @Dave_Boucher1.