December 8, 2008 — Roe vs. PP (Ohio)

LLDF is helping to fund the case of Roe v. Planned Parenthood, where the parents of Roe have alleged that their daughter was taken to Planned Parenthood (PP) of Southwest Ohio by the adult male who sexually abused her when she was 14 years old, resulting in her pregnancy. They allege that not only did PP breach their duty when they failed to notify the proper authorities of their daughter’s statutory rape but that PP breached their duty under Ohio’s Parental Consent law by failing to get their consent for the abortion.

The outcome of this case is vital, especially in light of the Indiana PP clinic, Bloomington Health Center, which was just exposed implementing what the Roe case alleges is PP’s “don’t ask, don’t tell policy.” The undercover operation shows 13-year-old Brianna telling the PP nurse she was impregnated by her 31-year-old boyfriend. VIDEO. The nurse repeatedly responded “I don’t wanna know that,” referring to the boyfriends age. After informing Brianna the reason was that Indiana law would require the authorities to be notified because her situation is considered rape and child abuse, the nurse goes on to give Brianna information so that she can have a secret abortion across state lines to circumvent Indiana’s parental consent law.

In October the Ohio Supreme Court heard arguments to determine whether or not PP will indeed have to turn over certain records in the case of Roe v. Planned Parenthood. Roe’s attorneys are asking for records that may establish a pattern of conduct by PP like that exposed on the undercover video. A trial court had ruled that PP must turn over these records but PP appealed and the trial court decision was reversed.

Even though the attorneys for Roe are not seeking private or identifying information, agreeing during the October hearing that such information should be redacted, PP is crying “privacy.” Roe’s attorneys are merely seeking to review records that document whether or not PP has reported any instances of statutory rape or notified any parent whose minor daughter sought abortion services at their Cincinnati clinic.

After the hearing in October, Attorney Brian Hurley, one of the attorney’s for Roe, hit the mark when he asked the media covering the hearing, “How many of these young girls continue to be abused?” Now we know of the potential for other victims in Indiana.

Roe is at a crucial stage in the litigation and we covet your prayers regarding the Ohio Supreme Court’s decision.