Media contact: Kate Bryan, (323) 454-3304, media@liveaction.org
NEW JERSEY, Feb. 2–Less than a day after an undercover video showed Planned Parenthood clinic manager Amy Woodruff coaching a pimp and a prostitute how to keep their underage sex trafficking business secret, Planned Parenthood has fired Woodruff. Planned Parenthood had originally claimed that Woodruff reported the incident to Planned Parenthood of Central New Jersey the same day of the actors’ visit.
In a statement released Tuesday morning, Stuart Schear, Vice President for Communications for Planned Parenthood national, claimed that the video did not in fact depict a cover-up of sexual abuse and trafficking, because, “As soon as these visits were over, Planned Parenthood employees immediately reported to Planned Parenthood management.” But by Tuesday night, Planned Parenthood Central New Jersey CEO Phyllis Kinsler had released a statement saying, “We were profoundly shocked when we viewed the videotape this morning, which depicted an employee of one of our health centers behaving in a repugnant manner that is inconsistent with our standards of care and is completely unacceptable,” and notified the press that Woodruff had been terminated.
Planned Parenthood had also originally suggested that the undercover video was a “hoax” and an “edited tape” before firing Woodruff. New Jersey Attorney General Paula Dow also released a statement on the video Tuesday evening saying, “At first glance, I find these allegations to be very disturbing.” Dow has asked the Division of Criminal Justice to investigate the matter.
“It appears that Planned Parenthood decided to fire Ms. Woodruff over a ‘hoax.’ Or, maybe they are coming to the realization that they have a serious problem brewing,” Rose stated.
“Soon, we will be releasing more evidence to law enforcement officials and the public showing that Planned Parenthood is willing to aid and abet sexual exploitation of minors and young women. As our research and evidence will show, this is not only a problem for one clinic in New Jersey — it is much broader and more endemic,” Rose said.
“These practices are putting minors and young women in harm’s way — all paid for by the American taxpayer,” Rose concluded.
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The full, unedited footage may be seen at: http://liveaction.org/blog/planned-parenthood-aids-sex-ring-full-footage
Anti-trafficking advocates to Live Action video release: http://liveaction.org/blog/anti-trafficking-advocates-react
The video may be seen below:
