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Schaefer demands answers on latest MU Planned Parenthood pact

COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new front appears to have opened up in the fight between Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, and the University of Missouri over the university’s involvement with Planned Parenthood.

Schaefer, chair of the Interim Sanctity of Life Committee, wrote an open letter to MU Chancellor Bowen Loftin Wednesday questioning a study being conducted by Mizzou’s School of Social Work which seeks to understand the decision-making process behind abortions as well as the effect of Missouri’s 72-hour waiting period enacted last year that requires a woman to wait that length of time to have an abortion after receiving counseling.

“This is a concerning revelation considering the University’s recent troubling connections to Planned Parenthood,” Schaefer wrote. “It is difficult to understand how a research study approved by the University, conducted by a University student, and over seen by the Director of the School of Social Work at the University can be perceived as anything but an expenditure of public funds to aid in Planned Parenthood in improving ‘its services to better meet the needs of women seeking abortions’ in clear violation of Missouri law.”

Schaefer asked for the research study protocol as well as all documentation about the nature and funding of the study to be provided to the committee. He added that while this contract would be discussed at a future committee hearing, he was unsure if it would be the next one.

The senator has questioned the university’s role with Planned Parenthood ever since the committee was formed in July after allegations the reproductive health organization was selling fetal tissue for profit. Schaefer questioned contracts between Planned Parenthood and the university, and the school eventually ended those contracts. While Loftin said those contracts had been ended because they were outdated, others believed it was due to political pressure from Jefferson City, namely Schaefer.

 

Read: Schaefer Letter – October 30, 2015