Pence: Planned Parenthood investigation meant to ‘reassure’ Hoosiers

Gov. Mike Pence on Friday said he was pleased with the “swift” manner of the state’s investigation into local Planned Parenthood abortion clinics that found they were complying with state regulations in results released this week.

Pence discussed the investigation with reporters today before his annual motorcycle ride.

Pence said he received the results of the investigation Thursday morning.

“I thought it was altogether appropriate for the Indiana State Department of Health to publish the results of that inquiry and move forward,” Pence said.

Pence had called for the investigation earlier this month in the wake of a viral video that raised controversy over the harvesting of organs elsewhere for donation from aborted fetuses. Pence said he wanted to make sure Planned Parenthood locations in Indiana were not acting illegally in handling fetal tissue.

On Friday, Pence said he wanted to “reassure” Hoosiers that Indiana clinics were in compliance.

“I’m pleased with the swift and professional manner that the Indiana State Department of Health went about this investigation and Hoosiers can be assured that we’ll continue to see to it that our laws in this area are strictly enforced,” Pence said.

The local Planned Parenthood affiliate said Indiana centers do not participate in tissue-donation programs. Nationally, the organization said it does not profit from fees associated with organ donation.

Three surgical abortion centers in Indianapolis, Bloomington and Merrillville were found to be in compliance with state regulations and were not cited for any deficiencies, according to state health documents provided by Planned Parenthood.

Call Star reporter Chelsea Schneider at (317) 444-6077. Follow her on Twitter: @indystarchelsea.