Palmer Supports Congressional Investigative Panel To Investigate Fetal Tissue Procurement and Other Abortion Practices

Wednesday, October 7 U.S. Representative Gary Palmer (R from Hoover) announced in a statement that he has voted for House Resolution 461, establishing a Select Investigative Panel of the Committee on Energy and Commerce to investigate alleged inhumane issues surrounding fetal tissue procurement practices.

Congressman Palmer said, "We have an obligation to protect the unborn and should take every opportunity to do so. "This includes the congressional oversight that is necessary to make sure that tax dollars are not used by Planned Parenthood or any other organization to profit from the sale of fetal body parts, or that fails to follow laws aimed at protecting born alive infants. This resolution will create a panel to focus on that specific goal."

The resolution was introduced by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R from North Carolina). This investigative panel was prompted by the videos made by the Center for Medical Progress, which contain strong evidence that Planned Parenthood and its affiliates may have broken federal and state laws by engaging in illegal sale of fetal body parts, and by failing to give lifesaving treatment to children born alive during an attempted abortion. According to Palmer's office Subsequent hearings have also raised questions about Planned Parenthood's proliferate spending on travel, parties and executive salaries, and use of funds for political purposes.

Congressman Palmer has supported legislation to defund Planned Parenthood and protect infants born alive after an abortion as well as legislation giving the states the right not to renew Medicaid contracts with abortion providers.

Speaker of the House John Boehner (R from Ohio) issued his own statement after the House passed H. Res. 461. "We best honor our right to life by demanding respect for life. In July, at my direction, three House committees initiated investigations into the practices of abortion businesses that have been trafficking in body parts. To continue this work, the House has established a select investigative panel that will have the duty and the authority to get to the bottom of these grisly practices. This is not just another issue of the moment. A full and public review will ensure that we uphold our solemn obligation to protect unborn children and the sanctity of human life."

Congressman Gary Palmer is a member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Congressman Palmer represents Alabama's Sixth Congressional District. This is his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives.