Attorney General Ends Inquisition into Medical Records
For Immediate Release: Jan. 30, 2014
Comprehensive Health Vindicated, Dedicated to Providing Health Care Services
Overland Park, KS — The inquisition and threats made against Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri by former state Attorney General Phill Kline have been officially dismissed after a state review of the evidence. The state attorney's office officially notified Planned Parenthood’s attorney Pedro Irigonegaray by letter that the matter has been closed.
“Former Attorney General Phill Kline launched a fishing expedition to further his personal anti-abortion agenda,” said Peter Brownlie, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri. “His attempts to conduct a sweeping invasion of medical privacy to pursue a political agenda have now been rebuked. Planned Parenthood has always been focused on providing high quality reproductive health care, and this ordeal is an important reminder about the dangers of political extremism.”
In the letter, Kansas Attorney General Paul Morrison wrote that after “an objective, unbiased, and thorough examination of the numerous documents and medical records,” no evidence of any criminal wrongdoing was found. His administration has completed the investigation and will ask the Court to return all records submitted by Comprehensive Health.
“This inquisition is finally completed, and I’m very pleased to remove any shadow of doubt regarding the professionalism and quality of care given by the fine staff at Comprehensive Health and Planned Parenthood,” continued Brownlie. “This action affirms our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality reproductive health services and education and protecting the medical privacy and confidentiality of our clients.”
Planned Parenthood learned of the inquisition nearly three years ago when Phill Kline began his secret investigation into Comprehensive Health and subpoenaed the complete medical records of many women who had received abortion care. With the help of Mr. Irigonegaray, Comprehensive Health successfully fought to protect the confidentiality and privacy of its patients.
“Phill Kline has spent years wasting taxpayer money pursuing his extremist ideological agenda. Now that these allegations have been discredited, we look forward to redoubling our efforts to address the health care needs of our community,” concluded Brownlie. “We call on our elected officials to join us in our mission — preventing unintended pregnancies.”