Frank Torres
State Rep. Mike La Rosa is applauding Gov. Rick Scott‘s decision to investigate Florida’s Planned Parenthood clinics to ensure full compliance with state law.
After a video surfaced showing a Planned Parenthood executive allegedly negotiating a potential deal to sell donated tissue, La Rosa publicly condemned the organization.
Representatives of Planned Parenthood have since denied such activities, saying the video was part of a set-up from an anti-abortion group.
As reported by Mitch Perry for Florida Politics, Scott asked the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to immediately examine 16 Planned Parenthood facilities in Florida that perform abortion procedures, so that they are in full compliance with the law.
“I am proud of Florida Gov. Rick Scott and his bold action today to begin the investigation of Planned Parenthood practices within the State of Florida,” La Rosa, a St. Cloud Republican, told Florida Politics on Wednesday.
“There is much at stake here. We are talking about the potential of serious illegalities should it be shown that Planned Parenthood profited from the sale of tissue and organ donations.”
La Rosa is weighing a run for Congress for the seat vacated by U.S. Rep Alan Grayson, who himself is seeking a U.S. Senate seat.
If La Rosa chooses to run, he could face Orlando Democratic State Sen. Darren Soto, who has already announced a campaign for Florida’s 9th Congressional District.
Soto issued a prepared statement to Florida Politics just after the governor’s announcement: “Planned Parenthood of Florida is a critical healthcare provider an key to protecting women’s reproductive rights. We Senate Democrats will not allow the Governor to exploit national stories to prevent Floridan’s access to care at these facilities”
