BATON ROUGE, La. (WGNO) – The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) ended Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast’s Medicaid Provider contract Monday in light of a recent video showing Planned Parenthood Federation of America employees discussing the sale of body parts after partial birth abortions.
In a statement Gov. Bobby Jindal said, “Planned Parenthood does not represent the values of the State of Louisiana in regards to respecting human life.”
Gov. Jindal said, “In recent weeks, it has been shocking to see reports of the alleged activities taking place at Planned Parenthood facilities across the country. Planned Parenthood does not represent the values of the people of Louisiana and shows a fundamental disrespect for human life. It has become clear that this is not an organization that is worthy of receiving public assistance from the state.”
Jindal has directed DHH to investigate Planned Parenthood’s activities in Louisiana and also sent a letter to both the Louisiana Inspector General and the FBI asking them to assist in the investigation.
Planned Parenthood spokesman Eric Ferrero has addressed the controversial video — calling it “heavily edited,” and that it “falsely portrays Planned Parenthood’s participation in tissue donation programs.” See the video, here.
Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast does not currently offer abortion services at its New Orleans or Baton Rouge locations. However, the new facility being built off Claiborne Ave. in New Orleans plans to offer them.