Des Moines, Iowa – Members of the public, including representatives from several pro-life groups, addressed the Iowa Board of Medicine on Friday, October 22, 2010, then rallied for a Town Hall Meeting over their concerns regarding a dangerous webcam abortion pill distribution scheme used by Planned Parenthood of the Heartland to commit nearly 2,000 abortions without a licensed physician on site.
The Iowa Board of Medicine had told pro-life groups prior to the meeting that public comments would begin at 9:30 AM. However, the board actually began to take comments on the telemed abortion scheme shortly before 9:00 AM before all the speakers had an opportunity to arrive. Those who were present were allowed to make their comments without restriction, unlike the previous board meeting where some speakers were denied entrance to the meeting, and comments were limited to a combined total of 10 minutes.
No one spoke in favor of telemed abortions. At least two attorneys expressed concern over the legality of dispensing dangerous abortion pills remotely without a licensed physician present. Tre Critelli, an attorney who explored legal and liability issues on his own told the Board that they could incur additional liability because there is no way to police the Internet or provide proper oversight for the remote-controlled abortions.
Other speakers included Jenifer Bowen of Iowa Right to Life, Maggie DeWitte of Iowans for Life, Daniel McConchie of Americans United for Life, and Cheryl Sullenger of Operation Rescue, among others.
Kent Nebel, Director for Legal Affairs for the Iowa Board of Medicine, reported that the Ad Hoc Committee appointed to research telemedicine and make recommendations for possible changes to Board guidelines on the subject needed more time to consider the subject. He said they would continue to meet and provide a report on their progress at the next meeting of the Board.
“This delay is troubling to us because we believe that Planned Parenthood is breaking the law now and in doing so, is placing the lives of women in serious jeopardy,” said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman.
Later, the pro-life groups met for a well-attended Town Hall meeting that included Candidate for Attorney General Brenna Findley and State Senator David Johnson, who spoke in support of efforts to stop telemed abortions.
While the Iowa Board of Medicine continues to investigate Planned Parenthood abortionists over telemed abortion complaints, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller continues to refuse to do his duty and enforce Iowa law, improperly leaving that responsibility to the Medical Board.
The public is encouraged to call the Attorney General Tom Miller’s office at (515) 281-5166 and ask that his office stop passing the buck and enforce Iowa law by investigating and charging Planned Parenthood abortionists involved in this illegal telemed abortion pill distribution scheme.
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