Polk Times

Congressman Scott Franklin has reintroduced a bill aimed at closing legal loopholes that allow abortion organizations to profit from the sale of fetal tissue. The Prohibiting Abortion Industry’s Lucrative Loopholes Act seeks to strengthen penalties and ensure that these organizations cannot benefit financially from such sales.

Franklin, a member of the Pro-Life Caucus, stated, “I’m proud to reintroduce the Prohibiting Abortion Industry’s Lucrative Loopholes Act to put an end to the horrific practice of for-profit fetal tissue sales. Protecting the sanctity of life is paramount. I urge my colleagues to take immediate action to eliminate these loopholes that abortion organizations have taken advantage of for far too long.”

The bill aims to address practices in place since 1993 when selling fetal tissue for research was banned. Congressman Hal Rogers emphasized, “This bill is about upholding the sanctity of life and ensuring that abortion organizations cannot profit from selling fetal remains.” He added that these organizations have exploited legal loopholes for financial gain.

Congressman Paul Gosar expressed his support by stating, “I am more than pleased to join Representative Franklin in supporting legislation that closes the loopholes that have allowed abortion organizations to skirt the law and continue the unconscionable practice of selling fetal tissue for profit.”

Under current law, universities and research institutions can use fetal tissue for scientific purposes. However, abortion providers have managed profits through a "valuable consideration" clause allowing them to charge fees without limits or caps. Franklin's measure would prohibit any payments related to fetal tissue by closing this loophole, with violators facing fines or imprisonment.

Franklin first introduced this act in May 2022. Original cosponsors include Representatives Randy Weber, Jake Ellzey, Hal Rogers, Paul Gosar, Beth Van Duyne, Mary Miller, Keith Self, Brian Babin, John Rutherford, Daniel Webster, and John Moolenaar.

For more information on the full text of the bill or further details regarding its implications and potential impact on existing laws and practices surrounding fetal tissue sales and usage in research institutions across various states in America can be found online.