The Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced the launching of a new probe into federally-supported fetal tissue research after a series of videos showed Planned Parenthood employees potentially violating the law.
The Daily Mail is reporting on the latest fallout from the undercover sting operation conducted by pro-life journalists at the Center for Medical Progress which involves a letter from the HHS’ Office of Inspector General (OIG) announcing the investigation which was posted yesterday on the the website of U.S. Senator and Republican presidential candidate Rand Paul.
In the letter, the OIG confirmed the launching of the investigation and promises to conduct and audit “all fetal tissue research supported by HHS.”
Because the majority of the funding for this research comes from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the OIG said their team will interview officials at both the HHS and the NIH.
“This approach will also focus on gathering relevant documentation related to policies and procedures for monitoring fetal tissue research activities,” the letter says.
“Our goal is to obtain information related to fetal tissue research grants, NIH’s monitoring procedures over third-party certifications and those related to the Department’s internal fetal tissue research, and any known violations of federal requirements.”
The new probe will subject all fetal tissue research organizations to have their contracts reviewed.
The investigation was requested by Senator Rand and 34 other Senators when the Planned Parenthood baby parts scandal broke earlier this year.
“I am encouraged to see the Inspector General take action to investigate Planned Parenthood’s unconscionable practices,” Senator Rand said in a statement. “Planned Parenthood selling body parts of the unborn demonstrates that the organization deserves not one penny more of our taxpayer dollars, and I am confident this investigation will give further proof of that.”
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