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Two state departments say there is no evidence that Planned Parenthood is illegally handling fetal tissue in Michigan.
MLive reports that the determination by the Michigan Departments of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and Health and Human Services (MDHHS) follows what they call a through review of inspections of licensed facilities and individuals.
State Senator Phil Pavlov, a St Clair Township Republican, called for the investigation following a national uproar over a secretly-filmed video where activists posed as potential buyers, and Planned Parenthood Senior Director of Medical Services Dr. Deborah Nucatola refers to keeping fetal organs intact during abortion procedures, and can be heard giving a range of prices.
The sale of body parts is illegal in the United States. Planned Parenthood officials say Nucatola was speculating on reimbursement levels for patients who choose to donate fetal tissues.
A series of Congressional panels have investigated Planned Parenthood since the July video and a special committee may be named soon to do the same.
According to MIRS News, Republican state Senator Peter MacGregor of Rockford plans to keep investigating the issue through the Senate Oversight Committee that he chairs.
Michigan Planned Parenthood officials have said since July that no fetal donation is happening in the state.
