Several US politicians have called for an investigation into Planned Parenthood, following an undercover video, which shows its medical director talking about the sale of fetal body parts. Presidential candidate Ted Cruz is among those demanding a probe.
“Congress should immediately begin an investigation of Planned Parenthood’s activities regarding the sale and transfer of aborted body parts, including who is obtaining them and what they are being used for,” Cruz wrote in a statement late on Tuesday.
The Republican presidential candidate added that “there is no place for taxpayer funding of organizations that profit from taking away innocent life, much less profiting off the bodies of the lives they have stolen.”
Jeb Bush, another Republican contender in the 2016 race, also expressed his disgust at the video. He wrote on Twitter, “this is a shocking and horrific reminder that we must do so much more to foster a culture of life in America.”
That sentiment was echoed by Republican candidate Carly Fiorina, who wrote on Facebook, “this latest news is tragic and outrageous.”
Dr. Ben Carson, also part of the 2016 presidential race, has urged Washington to cease Planned Parenthood funding.
But while the 2016 candidates continue on the campaign trail, those who are already in office have taken it a step further by actually ordering investigations in their states.
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has been outspoken about his disgust following the video’s release, noting that Planned Parenthood is currently seeking to open an abortion clinic in New Orleans.
“Today’s video of a Planned Parenthood official discussing the systematic harvesting and trafficking of human body parts is shocking and gruesome,” Jindal said.
He is even reaching out to the FBI to assist with the investigation.
“I have instructed Louisiana’s Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) to conduct an immediate investigation into this alleged evil and illegal activity and to not issue any licenses until this investigation is complete. I am also asking the FBI to assist DHH in investigating this alleged criminal activity by this organization,” he said.
Planned Parenthood has denied that the newly released eight-minute undercover footage shows its medical director offering to sell the body parts of aborted fetuses.
Dr. Deborah Nucatola, was believed to be nonchalantly talking to two people posing as representatives of a fetal tissue procurement company.
While eating a salad and sipping on a glass of wine, she casually explains the process of fetal donation – even putting a price tag of $30 to $100 on each specimen.