Planned Parenthood Statement on Politically Motivated Leak and Committee Appointments

Washington, D.C. -- Planned Parenthood released the below statement following House Speaker John Boehner's (R-OH) announcement that extreme, anti-abortion lawmaker, Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), will chair a committee investigating Planned Parenthood.

Statement from Eric Ferrero, Vice President of Communications for Planned Parenthood:

"This becomes more of a political circus every day. Last night, right-wing activists said senior staff on one of the congressional committees investigating Planned Parenthood gave them copies of videos that were under a court order to remain sealed. Today, one of Congress' most extreme opponents of safe and legal abortion was appointed to chair the new select committee that was created just to investigate Planned Parenthood.

"Given the clear political focus of all of these investigations, it's no surprise that we're already seeing what appear to be improper leaks and overtly political committee appointments. It seems like the Republican leadership in Congress isn't even bothering to hide the political agenda behind these investigations any more.

"Planned Parenthood has been cooperating fully with all of these investigations, even though they were all sparked by false and discredited claims and even though their political motive has become increasingly clear. Regardless of whether these investigations are focused on uncovering facts or pursuing a political agenda, we will continue to share the facts with all of these committees, which include that fetal tissue donation for medical research is an important but tiny part of Planned Parenthood's work in just two states, that we've had guidance in place for more than a decade that goes well beyond the legal requirements, and that even doctored and discredited videos show no wrongdoing by Planned Parenthood."