A rally this afternoon in South Bend is one of many nationwide rallies by anti-abortion groups in wake of two undercover videos involving Planned Parenthood officials that surfaced earlier this month.
The #WomenBetrayed rally from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, is organized by Saint Joseph County Right to Life. The group is gathering outside of U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly’s office, 205 W. Colfax Ave., according to a news release from the organization.
- RELATED: Investigations of Planned Parenthood begin around the U.S. after undercover video is released, July 17, 2015
The rallies across the country are calling on the federal government to investigate and defund the organization after two undercover videos were released by an anti-abortion activist group, alleging Planned Parenthood sells fetal tissue.
Planned Parenthood said in a statement that all donation of fetal tissues is done with “full, appropriate consent from patients and under the highest ethical and legal standards.” The organization said that actual costs, such as transportation costs, are reimbursed by companies receiving the donations, which is legal and standard.
After the first video surfaced, federal and state officials around the country called for investigations of Planned Parenthood in their states, including Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.
Pence ordered investigations in Marion, Monroe, Tippecanoe and Lake counties, where Planned Parenthood offices provide abortions in Indiana.
- RELATED: Jackie Walorski, Dan Coats blast Planned Parenthood after release of controversial video, July 15, 2015
The Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Joseph County, 3005 Grape Road, Mishawaka, gives referrals for abortion services but does not give abortions at the location.
