Congressional Leaders, Governors Pledge Investigation of Planned Parenthood
Kate Scanlon /
Lawmakers have called for an investigation into Planned Parenthood after a video emerged of one of its executives discussing the sale of fetal organs.
The Daily Signal previously reported that the Center for Medical Progress released an undercover video on Tuesday depicting Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s senior director of medical services, Dr. Deborah Nucatola, discussing the sale of fetal remains at the organization’s affiliates.
In a statement, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, called for congressional action:
Nothing is more precious than life, especially an unborn child. When anyone diminishes an unborn child, we are all hurt, irreversibly so. When an organization monetizes an unborn child—and with the cavalier attitude portrayed in this horrific video—we must all act. As a start, I have asked our relevant committees to look into this matter. I am also calling on President Obama and Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell to denounce, and stop, these gruesome practices.
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., pledged to investigate.
“Life is truly a miracle, and here in the House we have fought and will continue to fight to protect the sanctity of life,” McCarthy said in a statement. “I speak for all of my colleagues when I say I was deeply disturbed by reports and video of an organization engaging in such grotesque and inhumane practices. I will be working with House Committees to investigate the claims made by the employee. We should all agree that no life is expendable, and our society has no place for such callous indifference to life.”
In a statement, Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., called Planned Parenthood “Child Abuse Incorporated”:
The shocking video released today revealing Planned Parenthood’s engagement in selling baby body parts demands a response from Congress, and we will provide one. Planned Parenthood is the nation’s largest abortion provider, wounding women and profiting off of the death of children, first by dismembering unborn children and then by selling their organs piece by piece. This horrific abuse must stop.
Members of Congress tweeted their support of the investigation.
Have you watched the video?? Honestly hard to believe a human being could bring themselves to believe this is okay. https://t.co/7xrYLh3N8H
— Rep. Martha Roby (@RepMarthaRoby) July 14, 2015
As majority whip of the Pro-life Caucus, I’m glad to see leadership support for investigating evil Planned Parenthood http://t.co/mHWdYMonUS — Cong. Tim Huelskamp (@CongHuelskamp) July 15, 2015
The #PlannedParenthood video & discussed barbaric actions are appalling. Our country has no place for such heartless indifference for life.
— Richard Hudson (@RepRichHudson) July 15, 2015
Proud to stand alongside @LARighttoLife as we fight to protect the lives of the unborn. https://t.co/yejCzTiWht — Rep. Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) July 15, 2015
Encouraged @SpeakerBoehner ordered investigation into horrific Planned Parenthood video. @RepFredUpton & @HouseCommerce will be thorough
— Rep. Pat Tiberi (@PatTiberi) July 15, 2015
Fed gov’t should not give #PlannedParenthood another dime. I’m calling on the House to bring up #HR217 for a vote. http://t.co/jzpS0Vb46f — Diane Black (@RepDianeBlack) July 15, 2015
Planned Parenthood must be defunded after the horror revealed today. Add your name if you agree: https://t.co/HvfFp7QK1R
— Dr. Rand Paul (@RandPaul) July 15, 2015
The #PlannedParenthood video is horrific and heartbreaking. We need a swift and thorough investigation immediately. #ProLife — Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) July 15, 2015
Governors have also called for Planned Parenthood to be investigated within their states.
The Daily Signal reported on Tuesday that Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has directed his state’s Department of Health and Hospitals to investigate allegations against Planned Parenthood.
Today, according to a statement from his office, Jindal sent a letter to Inspector General Stephen Street requesting that he initiate a joint investigation with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to determine whether Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast is profiting from the sale of fetal body parts.
In a statement, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also called for an investigation.
“The video of a high-level Planned Parenthood executive discussing the details of internal abortion procedures – including harvesting of baby body parts—is unnerving and appalling,” said Abbott, a Republican. “In light of the video, I have directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to conduct an immediate investigation of this alleged practice in addition to a separate investigation ordered by the Texas Office of the Attorney General.”
I already sued Planned Parenthood for Medicaid Fraud. Now Texas will look into these organ harvesting claims. http://t.co/V5YxR20bsk
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 14, 2015