JEFFERSON CITY – Senate Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, announced today the creation of the Senate Interim Committee on the Sanctity of Life. Dempsey said recent allegations against Planned Parenthood’s business model deserve a thorough investigation.

“The recent allegations that Planned Parenthood is selling fetal tissue to medical laboratories is not only appalling, but illegal as well,” said Dempsey. “This type of action demands a legislative investigation. I am tasking this interim committee to find out exactly what is going on behind closed doors and hold them accountable for any illegal actions.”

Appointed interim committee Chairman Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, said if these serious allegations prove to be true, the facility should not only lose its license, but be stripped of all federal funds they currently receive.

“Missourians deserve to know the truth behind this potentially atrocious violation of our state laws and humane values,” said Schaefer. “Over the next few months this committee will conduct a rigorous investigation into the monstrous and inconceivable acts carried out by Planned Parenthood.”

“These are horrifying allegations. As a pro-life senator, I have always done my best to protect the sanctity of life,” said Majority Floor Leader Ron Richard, R-Joplin. “The effects of abortion on both the child and the mother are devastating. These appalling acts would only further the damage done already.”

The committee will include seven members, and the duties will include conducting an in-depth analysis of the Planned Parenthood business model and methods by which they dispose human remains from aborted fetuses and determining whether any state dollars have been directly used in such activity, as well as other duties. The committee will hold public hearings and issue a report to the General Assembly by Dec. 1, 2015.

Lauren Hieger, Senate Majority Caucus Communications Director
(573) 751-7266 – lauren.hieger@senate.mo.gov