Injuries, evacuation at Planned Parenthood over chemical exposure
SARASOTA, Fla. - A Planned Parenthood clinic in Florida has been evacuated because of an unknown substance, and several people have been taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Sarasota Police Department spokeswoman Genevieve Judge said in a news release that 38 people inside were evacuated at 10:45 a.m. Monday. Two hazardous materials teams responded.
While an official declaration of what caused the incident hasn't been made, the local government said there is no criminal investigation at this time.
No criminal investigation at Planned Parenthood at this time. Hazmat teams found cleaning chemicals, powder baby formula at scene.
— SarasotaCountyGov (@SRQCountyGov) May 23, 2016
A nearby school was placed on lockdown but police said the children are safe.
The number of people injured is unclear. Police say six were injured but the local government and Planned Parenthood say seven were hurt in the incident.
The 7 patients were transported to @SMHCS with respiratory symptoms, shortness of breath.
— SarasotaCountyGov (@SRQCountyGov) May 23, 2016
The clinic provides family planning services, preventive health care, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, and abortions.
Planned Parenthood is a national target because of its role as the largest U.S. abortion provider. Last year, edited videos were released purporting to show Planned Parenthood selling fetal tissue for profit. The organization has denied the allegation, and congressional investigations have yet to turn up any proof substantiating the claims against the group.
After the videos were released, Planned Parenthood reported an uptick in violence and threats against its clinics and employees.