Senator Rubio Calls for Federal Investigation of Planned Parenthood

Senator Marco Rubio of Florida is calling for a federal investigation into Planned Parenthood’s alleged practice of providing aborted baby body parts to the University of California San Diego in exchange for compensation while also retaining intellectual property rights over the fetal tissue.

In a letter addressed to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General Christi Grimm, Rubio expressed concern over this potential violation of federal law and urged for a thorough investigation to hold accountable any individuals involved.

A contract between Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest and the University of California San Diego in 2009 outlined the exchange of fetal and placental tissue for research purposes, with Planned Parenthood maintaining ownership of the tissue’s intellectual property.

Rubio highlighted the inclusion of the phrase “valuable consideration” in the contract, noting that it contradicts federal law prohibiting the transfer of fetal tissue for compensation.

The senator emphasized the need to determine the extent of collaboration between Planned Parenthood and the university, including financial transactions and research activities involving fetal tissue.

Notably, the Biden administration recently lifted restrictions on the use of fetal tissue for medical research, allowing scientists to study and develop treatments for diseases like diabetes, cancer, AIDS, and COVID-19.