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More than 20 Republican senators are calling for a vote to strip federal funding from Planned Parenthood clinics across the country following the release of a series of controversial videos.
The Center for Medical Progress – an antiabortion group – has released three undercover videos showing employees of Planned Parenthood discussing the use of fetal tissue from abortions for medical research. The Center for Medical Progress charges that the videos prove that Planned Parenthood is violating federal law by profitting off the sale of fetal tissue. But Planned Parenthood contends that the videos were made secretly and have been “heavily edited.” They also assert that they do not profit off the donation of fetal tissue.
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
The controversy, which began with the release of the first video in mid-July, prompted a group of more than 20 Republican senators to introduce legislation that would bar federal funding of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America or any of its affiliates. Supporters of the bill (S. 1881) say all funds stripped from Planned Parenthood would be transferred to other organizations that provide health services for women, ensuring that there was no reduction in overall federal funding for women’s health.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, (R-Ky.) said the Senate will vote on the bill the week of Aug. 3.
On the House side, the Energy and Commerce Committee has pledged to investigate the claims of illegal fetal tissue sale.
mschneider@frontlinemedcom.com
On Twitter @maryellenny