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Branstad: It’s up to attorney general to determine if Planned Parenthood broke

State health officials say they aren’t backing down from their investigations of abortions at three Planned Parenthood clinics despite previous instructions from the Agency for Health Care Administration that the procedures in question could resume.

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As in past videos, the most recent video features an interview with a former technician for Planned Parenthood partner StemExpress Holly O’Donnell.

“While we value our relationship with Planned Parenthood, that work represents a small percentage of our overall business activity and we must focus our limited resources on resolving these inquiries.”

Republican presidential candidates and lawmakers have called for Planned Parenthood to be investigated and its federal funding eliminated after the appearance of videos that critics said showed the reproductive healthcare group involved in the illegal sale of aborted fetal tissue.

They also asked if the Medical University of South Carolina, which receives state money, uses fetal organs. In the videos, a medical director for Planned Parenthood is seen talking about collecting fetal tissue.

Congressman Grayson said, “If the attempt to destroy Planned Parenthood is successful, the inevitable result is that many women will suffer and die”. “Please vote to defund Planned Parenthood immediately and if you have received donations from Planned Parenthood, they should be returned immediately”. “As an organization, it is Planned Parenthood’s intent to continue to be in Louisiana like we’ve been for 30 years”. The state cited three clinics for performing second trimester abortions-which is outside the scope of their licenses.

Coupled with legislation that prevents Planned Parenthood from providing sex ed materials in Louisiana schools, Carter says the organization’s inability to provide care and information to the state’s poorest patients will only contribute to higher rates.

Planned Parenthood has 20 health centers in Los Angeles County, with 93 percent of its clients getting family planning help and 77 percent living at or below the federal poverty level.

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Nelson offered for leaders of the protest to meet privately with his Orlando staff. Grayson’s office released a one-word statement responding to the group’s demands.

Branstad: It's up to attorney general to determine if Planned Parenthood broke