The recent controversy surrounding the leak of a video of Planned Parenthood officials discussing the sale of fetal tissues has left many Republicans calling for government funding to be cut for Planned Parenthood. In fact, several states have already pulled the plug on funding. Rumors and allegations have been flying, and it can be hard to keep all the facts straight with biased opinions from both sides. The basic story is this: A video has been released that supposedly shows Planned Parenthood officials talking about selling fetal tissue to researchers. Many people are claiming that the company is illegally selling tissues in the hopes of making a profit. However, no matter your opinion on abortion or the use of fetal tissue in research, there are facts that cannot be ignored in this story. This is what you need to know about Planned Parenthood as a company, the use of fetal tissues in research and this scandal in general.
1. Innocent until proven guilty.
Planned Parenthood has repeatedly denied allegations that they are seeking to make a profit from the transportation and donation of fetal tissues. In a statement from Eric Ferrero, the VP of Communications for Planned Parenthood, he says,
"There is no financial benefit for tissue donation for either the patient or for Planned Parenthood. In some instances, actual costs, such as the cost to transport tissue to leading research centers, are reimbursed, which is standard across the medical field...Similar false accusations have been put forth by opponents of abortion services for decades."
2. The use of fetal tissue in research is NOT illegal.
If you haven't followed this story closely, it would be easy to come to the conclusion that people are upset about this because using fetal tissue is illegal. However, it is perfectly legal to use fetal tissue in research. The use of fetal tissue in research dates back to 1921 in the United Kingdom.
3. The sale of fetal tissue is illegal. But, donations are perfectly legal.
Profiting from the sale of fetal tissue for research is illegal. It is also forbidden to abort a fetus specifically for the purpose of using the tissue in research. But after an abortion is complete. the option can be discussed with the woman. She may choose to donate the fetal tissue for research after the abortion is complete. Fetal tissue doesn't have to come from aborted fetuses either. It can also be donated in the event of a miscarriage.
4. It is common for fees to be involved in the transportation and use of tissues.
There are no explicit guidelines as to what a "normal" payment fee would be for the sale, transportation, and preservation of the tissue. It is not required by federal law for Planned Parenthood to list these fees on their tax forms. A law passed in 1993 allows for "reasonable payments associated with the transportation, implantation, processing, preservation, quality control, or storage of human fetal tissue."
5. Fetal tissue is important in the research of countless diseases.
Researchers use fetal tissue to help them understand the process of cell development and growth. It is made up of stem cells, so fetal tissue has the ability to develop into different types of cells (such as muscle or bone cells). This potential is what makes the tissue so valuable and versatile to researchers. Currently, it is being used to research Parkinson's, muscular dystrophy and AIDS. It is also being used to study developmental abnormalities like Down Syndrome, in the hopes that we can better understand how the human body develops. This way, we can prevent these diseases before they manifest. Vaccines that we take today, like those for polio, chickenpox and rubella, were developed using fetal tissue.
6. Planned Parenthood will not reveal information about their donation programs.
The president of the company says that they are involved in donation programs in less than five states, but will not disclose what states they are. Several states have come forward and denied having any involvement in tissue donations.
7. Planned Parenthood is not just an abortion clinic.
Sadly, many of the great things Planned Parenthood does for our society go largely unrecognized. I have heard many people express the view that Planned Parenthood is just somewhere poor people go after they get knocked up. Yes, they will provide abortion services. Part of their mission statement states that they will "preserve and protect the essential privacy and rights of each individual" and "advocate public policies which guarantee these rights and ensure access to such services." There are many other facets to this company. According to a study by Annual Report, abortions actually make up a small portion of services performed by Planned Parenthood.
8. Planned Parenthood is an important part of women's healthcare.
No matter your stance on abortion, it cannot be denied that Planned Parenthood provides numerous other beneficial services to women everywhere. To name a few, they offer cancer screenings, provide breast exams, referrals to outside clinics for mammograms, STD testing and treatment, and contraceptives. As one expert points out in the New York Times, "the contraception services that Planned Parenthood delivers may be the single greatest effort to prevent the unwanted pregnancies that result in abortions."
Currently, Planned Parenthood has not been charged with anything. They have been providing valuable services to women for almost 100 years. We shouldn't be so quick to judge a story without having all the facts.
