2006 Letter Confirms Planned Parenthood Operates in Full Compliance with Florida Law

For Immediate Release: Sept. 4, 2015

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Letter Underscores that Sham Investigation of Planned Parenthood by Gov. Scott Was Politically Motivated

New York, NY – A letter sent in 2006--under former Governor Jeb Bush’s administration, by ACHA Assistant General Counsel Lorraine Novak-- confirms that Florida Planned Parenthood affiliates are operating in full compliance with state regulations, despite recent claims by Governor Rick Scott. In the letter, Assistant General Counsel Novak states: “[I]t was clear from the medical professionals that the term ‘first twelve weeks of pregnancy’ and ‘first 14 completed weeks from the last normal menstrual period’ are used interchangeably by physicians, and in fact describe the same time period with the same ending point.”

Statement from Eric Ferrero, Vice President of Communications for Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“This letter confirms what Planned Parenthood has stated unequivocally: that all Florida Planned Parenthood health centers are operating in full compliance with state law as well as best practices in reproductive health care. The claim that any Planned Parenthood health centers are performing procedures we are not licensed to perform is false and seemingly stems from AHCA, under the Scott administration, flip-flopping on their own rules and definitions of gestational periods.

“Nearly a decade ago, state officials made it clear that Planned Parenthood is operating fully within the law, and nothing has changed. This only underscores that Governor Scott’s sham investigation of Planned Parenthood health clinics was motivated by politics, not a legitimate public health concern. In 34 percent of Florida's counties, women don't even have an OB/GYN. In fact, Gov. Scott signed five pieces of anti-women’s health legislation into law during his first term in office, and it's outrageous he's using what should be routine inspections as an opportunistic way to further restrict women's access to health care.

“Planned Parenthood’s rigorous medical standards and guidelines are informed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society for Family Planning, other professional organizations and published literature.

“At the federal and state levels, there are multiple agencies that oversee and regulate Planned Parenthood health care providers—and we don’t stop there. Planned Parenthood health centers go through an accreditation process, with rigorous standards, regular review and inspections, and ongoing training. We constantly evaluate new research in the field, new recommendations from medical associations, new technologies, and feedback from patients, experts, and regulators to continually improve our practices.”

For more information on estimating gestational periods, see information from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists HERE.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation's leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation's largest provider of sex education. With approximately 700 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.