WA Attorney General ‘Blows off’ Citizens Demand for Planned Parenthood Investigation

According to the Family Policy Institute of Washington, the reaction towards  the Planned Parenthood scandal has been lukewarm at best.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson acknowledged receiving a request from 44 state legislators, demanding he investigate the Washington state branch of Planned Parenthood, in the wake of national investigative videos showing them allegedly illegally selling fetal body parts for profit.  In addition, another 7 legislators demanded the state cease all funding for the group.

Ferguson, according to the FPI, responded this way to the legislators:

"We are researching your request and considering whether some action on our part is appropriate."

However, the standard response to individual or groups of constituents (citizens) requesting such an investigation has been more lengthy, but basically telling them the AG doesn't act on such matters. This is the response issued by the AG office:

"Thank you for your recent correspondence expressing concern about Planned Parenthood and a recent video related to the organization.  We understand that this topic is of concern to many.

The issues discussed in the video, and decisions regarding potential state or federal funding to the organization, are not matters over which this office has authority.  You may wish to reach out to the state and federal legislators representing your area to express your concerns.

The primary function of the Attorney General of Washington is to serve as legal counsel for state agencies, boards and commissions.  Neither the office nor its attorneys are authorized to give legal advice or legal assistance to individual citizens.  I hope that you will understand the limited role that our office plays in such matters."

Kindly,

A. Baker

Constituent Correspondence Liaison

Washington State Attorney General's Office