A Congressional hearing starts today that aims to get to the bottom of a serious question that has dogged Planned Parenthood for months.
Is the organization making money selling tissue from aborted fetuses?
But surprisingly absent at the House Judiciary Committee hearing? Planned Parenthood itself, which has refused to testify.
Clandestinely recorded videos recorded earlier this summer show that Planned Parenthood “violates various federal laws” on the sale of fetal tissue, and research on the tissue should be banned outright, according to testimony that James Bopp Jr., general counsel for National Right to Life, is preparing to submit.
Wednesday’s hearing is Congress’ first since the Center for Medical Progress, a small group of anti-abortion activists, began releasing videos in July showing Planned Parenthood officials casually describing how they sometimes obtain tissue from aborted fetuses for medical researchers.
Bopp said comments in the videos by Planned Parenthood officials show they were not limiting their fees for fetal tissue to covering their own expenses, as the law allows. They are “instead trying to make money off of human fetal tissue,” he said.
Also testifying today are two women who say they survived failed abortions as newborns. Their appearance underscores how the GOP is eager to use questions about fetal tissue research to personalize the broader political dispute over abortion.
“If abortion is about women’s rights, then what were mine?” said Gianna Jessen, who says she was born alive after a failed 1977 abortion in Los Angeles and has been a high-profile campaigner against the procedure.
Three other congressional committees are also investigating Planned Parenthood, but have yet to hold hearings.
The Associated Press contributed to this story
Danny Stewart says
If any one really thinks congress will do anything, I’ve got some ocean front property in Kansas you may be interested in.
Kim Cook says
Why all the emotional response? It’s just tissue at that point. Oh that’s right because it’s human tissue not just some animal… like there’s a difference.
kerijay says
If you watched video 7 and still say fetus or tissue you have a very cold heart. It’s a baby.
Gary says
Yes Kim….it’s just human tissue.
I was hoping to sell some of yours to pay a bill that needs paying. What part could I have?
Doris Constable says
If an Eagle egg contains an Eagle, and it’s against the law to destroy it, how can anyone say an unborn baby is just tissue? I think they have too much tissue between their ears, and I’m not referring to brains.