Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster released the findings of his office’s investigation into the Planned Parenthood Monday, concluding there is no evidence to suggest the organization is unlawfully selling aborted fetal tissue.
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“The evidence reviewed by my investigators supports Planned Parenthood’s representation that fetal tissue is handled in accordance with Missouri law”, Koster said.
“At several of our health centers, we help patients who want to donate tissue for scientific research, and we do this just like every other high-quality health care provider does – with full, appropriate consent from patients and under the highest ethical and legal standards”, Eric Ferrero, vice president of communications for Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in a statement.
“As a result of our investigation, the Office of the Missouri Attorney General has found no evidence that PPSLR has engaged in unlawful disposal of fetal organs or tissue”, the report reads. It found no irregularities in the clinic’s handling of fetal tissue.
The investigation focused on Reproductive Health Services of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri (PPSLR), Missouri’s only facility now licensed to perform surgical abortions. The office launched its investigation following the release in July of undercover videos alleging Planned Parenthood has illegally profited from the sale of fetal tissue. The matter has escalated into a deep crisis for Planned Parenthood as well as for Congress. A short-term funding bill for the federal government has been held up in Congress by hardliners on the right insisting on defunding Planned Parenthood, invoking the possibility of a government shutdown. “We are pleased, but not surprised, that this thorough investigation by the Attorney General found our actions fully compliant with the law”.
West Virginia’s legislative leaders are now waiting on more details from the state Department of Health and Human Resources on exactly how state money for Planned Parenthood, which has one West Virginia facility located in Vienna, was spent.
The orders against the Greenville and Columbia clinics marked the first time the agency had suspended an abortion clinic’s license.
Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, chairs the Senate Interim Committee on the Sanctity of Life.
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“An incomplete investigation is not going to deter the committee from moving forward”, he said.
