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Press Release: Sen. Will Kraus Joins Senate Committee on Sanctity of Life

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Sen. Will Kraus (R-Lee’s Summit) has been appointed a member of the Senate Interim Committee charged with investigating possible illegal handling of human tissue by Planned Parenthood abortion clinics.

President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey formed the committee in response to multiple videos released by a pro-life group documenting a Planned Parenthood executive discussing the cost of organs and tissue from aborted babies to be used in medical research. The committee is charged with determining if any Missouri branches of the organization are profiting from the sale of this tissue, which is in violation of state and federal law.

“The allegations brought to light by these videos are not only morally inexcusable, but illegal as well,” Kraus said. “I feel it is my moral duty to be a part of the committee ensuring that these activities aren’t taking place in Missouri. I appreciate the opportunity to assist in the investigation into these reprehensible practices.”

The committee will also be investigating the procedures followed by the state in reauthorizing the Columbia Planned Parenthood location to perform surgical abortions. Sen. Kurt Schaefer, the committee chairman, has called into question the amount of oversight provided by the Department of Health and Senior Services in the relicensing process. Schaefer has called for the Director of Health and Senior Services to suspend the Columbia location’s abortion license.

“I support Sen. Schaefer’s call to suspend the Columbia location’s abortion license,” Kraus said. “We need to know that Planned Parenthood is operating legally and complying with state laws regarding the safety of clinics.”

The committee plans to seek documents from Missouri Planned Parenthood locations and call witnesses to testify in order to complete the investigation.