Lawmakers urge HHS to investigate StemExpress, Planned Parenthood

(WNS)–The Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives asked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to investigate StemExpress and Planned Parenthood affiliates for potentially illegal activity that generated profit from selling baby body parts. In April, the congressional panel found evidence linking StemExpress to illegal profits from the sale of aborted baby body parts. Panel investigators uncovered StemExpress documentation of fetal tissue technicians stationed inside abortion centers to round up tiny livers, kidneys, hearts, and lungs for buyers—profiting up to 400 percent per item. On June 1, the panel delivered two letters to HHS asking it to take a closer look at the relationship between StemExpress and the abortion centers it once worked with. After being exposed by undercover pro-life journalists investigating the fetal tissue trade, StemExpress cut ties with Planned Parenthood in August.

Missouri appeals court considers the rights of frozen human embryos

(WNS)–Another divorced couple went to court in early June to fight over the remains of their shattered marriage, but their disagreement involves more than the typical tug-of-war over furniture and houses. The Missouri Court of Appeals must determine whether the couple’s frozen embryos are property or human beings with rights. A lower court declared the embryos the couple’s joint property, and ruled both the mother and father must agree to any action involving them. But the appeal, filed by the mother who wants to implant the embryos against the father’s will, has rallied support from pro-life organizations that argue the embryos are human beings with rights. They contend any decision relating to the embryos, like all decisions relating to children in divorce proceedings, should be based on what is in their best interest. The Missouri Court of Appeals is not expected to issue its ruling for several months.