July 16, 2015

Pence Orders State Department Of Health To Investigate Planned Parenthood Facilities

Brandon Smith

INDIANAPOLIS -- Gov. Mike Pence Thursday ordered the State Department of Health to investigate Indiana’s Planned Parenthood facilities in the wake of a national controversy.

A video released earlier this week by a California-based anti-abortion group purports to show a Planned Parenthood Federation of America official discussing illegal trafficking of aborted fetal tissue during a meeting at a California restaurant. 

The national organization denies the claims.  But Gov. Pence says every Hoosier should be deeply troubled by the allegations. And he says he has an obligation to ensure the practice isn’t taking place in Indiana, directing the state Health Department to immediately investigate. 

In a statement, Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky CEO Betty Cockrum says her organization doesn’t engage in any tissue donation program – which she notes is a standard medical research practice – and says Planned Parenthood is in full compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations.

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