House Panel Investigating Fetal Tissue Research Issues Subpoenas
The congressional committee subpoenaed eight medical organizations -- including San Diego-based Biomed IRB and San Leandro-based Ganogen Inc. -- as part of a probe instigated by videos that purported to capture Planned Parenthood officials trying to profit illegally from the sale of such tissue. Since then, the videographers have been indicted and 20 states have cleared Planned Parenthood or decided not to investigate, but Republican House members have continued with their efforts.
The New York Times:
House Panel Issues Subpoenas In Fetal Tissue Research Inquiry
A special House committee empaneled to investigate fetal tissue research issued subpoenas on Wednesday to eight medical organizations as part of an investigation that has led to charges of intimidation. “The Select Investigative Panel is working in a thoughtful and thorough manner to find the facts about what exactly is going on at these abortion businesses and procurement organizations,” said Representative Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from Tennessee who leads the House Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives. “Unfortunately, some of these organizations have so redacted documents — even after being subpoenaed — that it is impossible for us to get the complete picture of what is actually going on.” (Harris, 3/30)
The San Diego Union Tribune:
SD Company Subpoenaed On Fetal Tissue Research
A San Diego company was ordered Wednesday to appear before a House committee on April 11th to discuss its involvement in fetal tissue research, one of the most politially charged fields in science. House investigators issued a subpoena to the Biomedical Research Institute of America (BioMed), a non-profit organization that says it advises doctors on how to lawfully and ethically conduct research studies. It is known as an institutional review board, or IRB. (Robbins and Fikes, 3/30)