http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/262955-ohio-ag-planned-parenthood-aborted-fetuses-end-up-in-landfillsDecember 11, 2015, 02:25 pm
Ohio AG: Planned Parenthood aborted fetuses end up in landfills
By Peter Sullivan
Aborted fetuses from Planned Parenthood clinics in Ohio are ending up being disposed of in landfills, according to an investigation from the state’s attorney general (AG).
The investigation, according to a Friday press release, concluded that the three Planned Parenthood affiliates in Ohio have sent fetal remains to companies that in turn disposed of them in landfills. The office did not provide details of the allegation.
Attorney General Mike DeWine, a conservative Republican, said Planned Parenthood’s practices in the state violated Ohio Administrative Code, which requires that a “fetus shall be disposed of in a humane manner.”
His office referred the matter to the state Department of Health.
In a statement on its Facebook page, Planned Parenthood's branch in the state rejected the findings.
"This is simply not true,” the statement said. “Planned Parenthood has contracts with vendors to handle fetal tissue in a respectful manner and in accordance with the law. It is irresponsible for the AG to say otherwise.”
The findings come as the debate over Planned Parenthood has calmed down in Congress. Republicans have not been pushing to defund the group in the spending bill that must be passed by Wednesday, in contrast to the fierce debate earlier this fall.
That debate was sparked by a series of undercover videos claiming that Planned Parenthood sold fetal tissue for profit.
Since then, several state investigations have found no wrongdoing or sales of fetal tissue by Planned Parenthood.
The Ohio investigation was launched in the wake of the videos as well, and the attorney general’s office also said Friday that it had found no evidence that Planned Parenthood sold fetal tissue.
John Kasich, the state's governor and a Republican presidential candidate, said in a statement the findings are “disturbing.”
"This investigation shows the need for further work with the Ohio General Assembly to rein in Planned Parenthood, while continuing to ensure access to vital health care services for women,” Kasich said.
