Planned Parenthood Accused of Improper Fetus Disposal in Ohio

Ohio Planned Parenthood clinics allegedly disposed of fetal tissue in landfills, in violation of state code, according to a government investigation. (Photo: Getty Images News)

UPDATE 12/14: Planned Parenthood affiliates in Ohio have filed a lawsuit, calling the report “false and inflammatory,” and accusing the Attorney General of restricting safe and legal abortion access.

“Politicians in Ohio will stop at nothing to ban abortion in all cases in our state,” Stephanie Knight, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, said in a statement on Sunday. “Today, we’re asking a federal court to prevent the state from this plainly political attempt to restrict women’s access to safe and legal abortion.”

An investigation by the Ohio Attorney General’s office has found that Planned Parenthood clinics in the state improperly disposed of fetal tissue, state Attorney General Mike DeWine said on Dec. 11.

The investigation found that some Planned Parenthood affiliates had disposed of fetal parts in landfills, DeWine’s office said.

Ohio administrative code states, “The fetus shall be disposed of in a humane manner.” The code does not specify further what is considered a humane disposal.

The original purpose of the investigation was to determine if Planned Parenthood clinics in Ohio sold fetal tissue, in response to viral videos produced by an antiabortion group. The same section of Ohio administrative code that requires humane disposal also prohibits the sale of fetal tissue.

DeWine said that his office’s investigation did not find any evidence that Planned Parenthood clinics were improperly selling fetal parts.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. His office recently concluded an investigation of Planned Parenthood clinics in the state. (Photo: AP)

In a statement, DeWine said: “Disposing of aborted fetuses from an abortion by sending them to a landfill is callous and completely inhumane. It is important the public be aware that these practices are taking place at these Ohio facilities.”

Planned Parenthood denies the allegations. Stephanie Kight, president and chief executive officer of Planned Parenthood of Ohio, said in a statement: “This is not true. Planned Parenthood contracts with vendors to handle fetal tissue in a respectful manner and in accordance with the law. It is irresponsible for the attorney general to say otherwise.”

Related: How Governors Impact Abortion Access in Their State

Ohio Gov. John Kasich has tasked the Ohio Department of Health, which oversees clinics that perform abortions, “to work with the attorney general’s office to take appropriate legal action,” Kasich said in a statement. “This investigation shows the need for further work with the Ohio General Assembly to rein in Planned Parenthood while continuing to ensure access to vital health care services for women,” the statement continued.

The Department of Health could seek a court order to limit Planned Parenthood’s actions where there have been violations or seek a court injunction to stop fetal tissue from being disposed of in landfills. Because the requirement is state code, not state law, there would not be a criminal case against Planned Parenthood.

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