NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Governor Bill Haslam has been assuring fellow Republicans that fetal tissue sales are illegal in Tennessee.
In a letter to the General Assembly's Republican Caucus, Haslam referred to recently released hidden-camera videos that raised the question of whether Planned Parenthood officials were profiting from the sale of fetal tissue for medical research. Planned Parenthood said it charges fees solely to cover its costs.
The letter said Haslam has heard from many caucus members who "share our shock and concern at the callous disregard for life displayed in undercover videos."
He went on to encourage the prosecution of anyone who violates state law by selling fetal tissue. And he said the state only provides money to Planned Parenthood indirectly as a subcontractor to other groups receiving state money for HIV testing.
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