The Republican-controlled US Senate failed to get enough votes to deny federal funds to the beleaguered women's health care group Planned Parenthood as the Democrats voted solidly earlier this week against the Republican measure even at the risk of a government shutdown on Oct. 1.

The senators voted 52-47 against the proposed legislation that would take away $235 million funding for Planned Parenthood and re-direct the funds to other women's health organisations that do not perform abortions. The measure was part of a bill that would keep the government operating with the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1.

Eight Republicans and two independent senators joined 42 Democrats in thrashing the measure.

"For one year, [the proposed measure] would defund Planned Parenthood and protect women's health by funding community health clinics with the $235 million instead. This would allow us to press the pause button as we investigate the serious scandals surrounding Planned Parenthood," Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell before the senators voted.

"Here we stand, days before government funding expires, wasting time on publicity stunts," remarked Democratic Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid.

President Barack Obama would have vetoed the bill even if it was passed by the Senate as he had vowed earlier.

"By eliminating federal funding for a major provider of healthcare, the Senate amendment ... would limit access to health care for women, men, and families across the nation, and disproportionately impact low-income individuals," the White House said.

McConnell scored Senate Democrats for their support of Planned Parenthood.

"I know Democrats have relied on Planned Parenthood as a political ally, but they must be moved by the horrifying images we've seen. Can they not resolve to protect women's health instead of powerful political friends?" he asked.

Planned Parenthood has been accused of harvesting foetal tissues from aborted babies and selling them to researchers.

The US House voted and passed a bill Friday to defund Planned Parenthood with a 241-187 vote. But this is now moot and academic following the Senate vote.

"The only way to actually defund Planned Parenthood is to include it on must-pass legislation like the continuing resolution," Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz said. "It's the reason why Republican leadership wants a show vote. They know they'll lose instead of actually using their constitutional authority."

Cruz is vehemently opposing the funding of Planned Parenthood.

"It ought to be a simple matter for Republican leadership to stand for something and say at a minimum we're not going to send taxpayer money to a private organisation that is under ongoing criminal investigation," he said.