Anti-Planned Parenthood Protesters Rally At Governor's Residence
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Hundreds of people protested outside the Governor's Residence in St. Paul Wednesday, calling for the state to investigate Planned Parenthood.
This comes days after another undercover video was released by the anti-abortion group Center for Medical Progress, alleging the illegal sale of fetal tissue may also happen in Minnesota.
Protesters here want the state to initiate an investigation, and remove any state funds that might go to the organization's health care services. But Planned Parenthood says the protest is based on a lie.
Planned Parenthood Minnesota vigorously denies the accusations. President and CEO Sarah Stoez says the videos are heavily edited and fraudulent.
"Planned Parenthood in Minnesota does not have a fetal tissue donation program today, and we never have," Stoez said.
Planned Parenthood provides healthcare services and contraception to 65,000 Minnesota women. Protesters say the state should defund it, and find other ways to deliver women's healthcare.
"May we never stop publically living our faith, holding our elected leaders accountable to do good and punish evil. So Gov. Dayton, we call on you today. Investigate and … defund Planned Parenthood!" Minnesota Family Council's Autumn Leva said.
Federal law bars the commercial sale of fetal tissue, but allows not-for-profit tissue donations with consent of the woman who had the abortion.