Perspective: Planned Parenthood probes underway

This summer, a veil was lifted giving Americans a glimpse into the soul of Planned Parenthood.

Like you, I have continued to be shocked as more horrific videos are released, exposing the deplorable practices of Planned Parenthood to sell fetal body parts.

There are several House committees that have started investigations into Planned Parenthood. For example, as of last week, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee issued a subpoena to the Center for Medical Progress for all unedited video footage in their possession relating to the preparation and sale of fetal tissue.

Along with the investigations, the House brought two pieces of legislation, which I proudly cosponsored, to the floor that would further protect and promote the unborn.

First, the House voted on the Defund Planned Parenthood Act which would place an immediate moratorium on all federal funding of Planned Parenthood for the span of one year while Congress continues its investigation into the organization's activities.

In addition, the House voted on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act which would make failure to provide standard medical care to children born alive during an abortion a federal crime. In addition, this legislation would apply stronger penalties in cases where an overt act is taken to kill the abortion survivor. Lastly, there is a civil right of action for mothers of children who survive an abortion to hold the abortion provider accountable.

Even before the revelations unveiled by Planned Parenthood this summer, it is clear this organization needs to be extinct. In Missouri alone, there are 588 health alternatives. Those alternatives are Federally Qualified Health Clinics (FQHC) and Rural Health Clinics. FQHCs operate in service sites in both rural and urban areas and offer low-income populations health services. Yet, the biggest difference is the fact that FQHCs do not perform abortions.

As a proud member of the Pro-Life Caucus, I will continue to stand for the rights of the unborn and support health centers that do not perform abortions. The House will continue to hold Planned Parenthood accountable and please know that I will support legislation, which I cosponsored, which will permanently defund these deplorable actions of Planned Parenthood once and for all.

Web link:

Luetkemeyer.house.gov