AUSTIN – The Texas Senate Republican Caucus today issued the following statement regarding the release of a video which shows Dr. Deborah Nucatola, Planned Parenthood’s senior director of medical research, discussing the harvesting and sale of fetal organs and extremities.

“Human life is sacred. We are appalled and deeply saddened by the contents of the undercover video released this week by the Center for Medical Progress.

This video reminds us that the practice of abortion is itself horrific and inhumane. The subsequent harvesting and sale of aborted babies’ intact organs and extremities in the name of science is deplorable.

The footage reaffirms that Planned Parenthood’s activities are ethically indefensible and should receive no support from this legislative body.

In 2011, the Texas Legislature ended Planned Parenthood’s status as a provider in the state-funded Women’s Health Program.  Additionally, the 2016-17 state budget further restricted all abortion providers from participating in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Services Program.

We join with the vast majority of Texans in condemning the practices revealed in this video, and we lend our full support to the investigative efforts of Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton. We must hold Planned Parenthood accountable in Texas.”

For more information about the Texas Senate Republican Caucus, visit texassenate.gop.