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Grand jury to probe abortion-clinic practices

By Cheryl Wetzstein
December 5, 2007

An unprecedented investigation into abortion-clinic practices will commence soon in Kansas now that the state Supreme Court has cleared the way for a grand jury with subpoena powers to be convened.

"Kansas has laws against late-term abortion on viable [unborn] children. Our allegations are that laws were not followed," said Johnson County (Kan.) District Attorney Phill Kline, who will be presenting the case against Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri (PPKM).

Grand jury selection begins Monday. The 15-person panel will meet in secret and will have the power to subpoena witnesses and records and to indict individuals or entities.

A grand jury investigation could have far-reaching implications for abortion clinics, said Jennifer Giroux, director of Women Influencing the Nation, a Cincinnati group that is active in pro-life issues.

At least 39 states have laws restricting abortions somewhat after fetal viability, and "we feel all Planned Parenthood clinics should be asked, 'Are you complying with your state law?' " she said.

Planned Parenthood receives millions of dollars in government funding each year. "They should have to answer these criminal charges before they get another dime of our tax dollars," she said.

PPKM attorney Robert Eye said: "Our client maintains that they haven't done anything wrong here. There's no evidence of criminality."

Earlier this year, Mr. Eye said, Kansas Attorney General Paul Morrison ended an investigation of PPKM that was initiated by Mr. Kline when he was attorney general. Mr. Morrison "found no evidence of criminal conduct," Mr. Eye said. As for the grand jury investigation, "We are waiting, and we want to see what will happen here," he said.

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