Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
No Signs That Political Flap From Planned Parenthood Videos Is Quieting
Two stealthily recorded videos show Planned Parenthood officials discussing how they provide aborted fetal organs for research. The videos have put the group and its Democratic allies on the defensive. It’s unclear how long the political damage may last or whether Planned Parenthood has broken federal law — as abortion foes contend. What is clear is that Republicans and anti-abortion groups are giving no signs of letting the issue fade quickly. (Fram, 7/27)
U.S. Republican presidential contender Rand Paul said on Sunday he plans to push Congress to cut federal funding for the non-profit reproductive healthcare organization Planned Parenthood in a debate over its treatment of aborted fetal tissue. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has started a fast-track process to bring Paul's legislation for a vote soon, McConnell's spokesman told Reuters on Sunday. (Selyukh, 7/26)
Republican presidential candidates are using two undercover videos of Planned Parenthood executives discussing fetal tissue donation in graphic terms to build contact lists and raise money. (Collins, 7/24)
Republican governors gathered for their annual summer meeting say two undercover videos about Planned Parenthood are shocking and disturbing. But few here are calling for abortion clinic investigations in their own states. (Pradhan, 7/25)
Planned Parenthood's president on Sunday lambasted "militant anti-abortion activists" who have released secretly-recorded videos of the organization's officials discussing the alleged sale of fetal tissue. (Bradner, 7/26)