Rep. Stearns Launches Investigation of Planned Parenthood

Yesterday Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for the House Energy and Commerce Committee, launched an investigation into Planned Parenthood (PPFA). The Subcommittee is investigating Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s use of federal funds and its compliance with federal guidelines concerning abortions. Additionally, the Subcommittee is looking into Planned Parenthood’s reporting of sex abuse cases to the proper authorities. Rep. Stearns sent a letter  to PPFA President Cecile Richards demanding a long list of Planned Parenthood’s internal documents in order to determine whether these multiple issues have been properly handled.

The letter sent from Rep. Stearns, a pro-life stalwart (pictured speaking at an SBA List & Live Action press conference in February 2011), demands information concerning improper billing related to programs that are federally funded, evidence that federal funds are not paying for abortions by Planned Parenthood or its affiliates, state audits for Planned Parenthood affiliates, and documentation of how many  of its affiliates currently receive Title X family planning funding.
Rep. Stearns requested documents on standards and practices related to billing, written policies and procedures, and requests information on how the America’s largest abortion provider managed to keeps its family planning abortion funds completely separate.

The letter also addresses concerns over Planned Parenthood’s dubious history of failing to report abuse of young girls and woman . It reads, “Please provide the policies and procedures PPFA and its affiliates have in place to ensure that all Planned Parenthood clinics report all cases of suspected sexual abuse, including statutory rape, to proper authorities.” It goes on to say, “Please provide the policies and procedures PPFA and its affiliates have in place to ensure that suspected sex trafficking is reported to the proper authorities.”

The launch of this investigation is a critical step in exposing Planned Parenthood for what it truly is: an organization built on abortion and the exploitation of women. It should fill all who believe in the sanctity of human life with a sense of satisfaction and the knowledge that we have accomplished something profound. Finally Planned Parenthood is going to have to start answering some questions. America will not tolerate bank-rolling an organization such as this anymore. We have taken a step forward, and an important one, but we still have a long way to go in the battle to save lives. Luckily, we are just getting warmed up.

Thank you, Congressman Stearns, for boldly moving forward with this investigation of America’s Abortion Giant!

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