Investigations Launch in Three States Over Planned Parenthood Video
LatestGeorgia, Indiana and Ohio have all ordered investigations into local Planned Parenthood facilities after a heavily edited undercover video circulated that made it seem as though the organization was selling fetal tissue, which is against the law.
While Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards has apologized for the “tone” of the official featured in the video, who was seen frankly and somewhat nonchalantly discussing procedures for transferring fetal organs to researchers, she emphasized that the process under scrutiny is strictly legal. Some Planned Parenthood affiliates have programs that help consenting, interested parties undergoing abortion procedures make not-for-profit fetal tissue donations that will help scientists develop treatments for diseases like Parkinsons and Alzheimer’s.
“Our donation programs—like any other high-quality health care providers—follow all laws and ethical guidelines,” Richards said in a video statement. According to Planned Parenthood, the monetary exchange referenced in the video was not the “selling” of fetal tissue, but rather reimbursement costs to be paid to the clinics handling the tissue donations.