Ohio's top law enforcer says he's investigating whether Planned Parenthood may have violated its nonprofit status and made money from the sale of organs from aborted fetuses.
Attorney General Mike DeWine said Thursday his charitable law section is reviewing the activities at three Ohio locations of the abortion and reproductive health services provider.
The Republican's announcement follows an anti-abortion group's release of a video it made secretly showing a Planned Parenthood official discussing the disposal of body parts from aborted fetuses. Three congressional committees are investigating the matter.
DeWine called the video "truly horrifying" and said if money was made from the practice it might be illegal.
Planned Parenthood says it legally helps women who want to make not-for-profit donations of their fetus' organs for scientific research and doesn't profit.
In a statement issued today, Ohio Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio President and CEO, Stephanie Kight said the group would continue to serve the needs of Ohio women.
Stephanie Kight's full statement:
“For 87 years, Planned Parenthood has served Ohio’s women with accessible, affordable and safe reproductive health care services. In doing so, we follow all regulations to ensure that we are operating within the scope of the law.”
“In accordance with the Ohio Revised Code, Planned Parenthood health centers in Ohio do not allow patients to donate tissue because it is explicitly prohibited by law.”
“We will not allow these accusations to knock us off course. We will continue our mission to fight on behalf of women’s reproductive health and women’s rights and provide women in Ohio with the services they need to live healthy and successful lives.”