Ducey tells agency to take steps to bar sales of fetal parts

PHOENIX (AP) - Gov. Doug Ducey is ordering Arizona's health department to review current state laws and prepare emergency rules to prohibit the illegal sale of any tissue from an unborn child.

Ducey's announcement Monday follows investigations announced by other states and several congressional committees in response to the release of an undercover video made by anti-abortion activists.

The video shows a senior Planned Parenthood official discussing procedures for providing fetal body parts to researchers.

Explaining his direction to the state Department of Health Services, Ducey said the video is "horrifying and has no place in a civilized society."

Planned Parenthood has said the official has been reprimanded and apologized for the tone of some of her recorded comments.

Footage showing sale of aborted fetal tissue & body parts is horrifying & has no place in civilized society. http://t.co/REajLy4CXs

Full statement:

"The footage released by The Center for Medical Progress regarding the alleged sale and trafficking of aborted fetal tissue and body parts by Planned Parenthood is horrifying and has no place in a civilized society. I am calling on the Department of Health Services to conduct a thorough review of the law and immediately promulgate emergency rules designed to prohibit the illegal sale of any tissue from an unborn child. This is consistent with federal law and will deter action that we all agree is abhorrent. Further, I have instructed ADHS to provide any and all assistance required to Attorney General Brnovich in any efforts conducted by his office."

Online: http://azgovernor.gov/news/governor-doug-duceys-statement-planned-parenthood