Planned Parenthood Accused of Getting Quid Pro Quo From Gov. Blagojevich
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
December 10, 2008
Springfield, IL (LifeNews.com) — Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich may resign or be kicked out of the governor’s office for charges that he tried to sell Barack Obama’s Senate seat to the highest bidder. However, a leading pro-life advocate alleges that Planned Parenthood may have received a Blagojevich kickback as well.
Blogger Jill Stanek, a pro-life nurse, says she has believed since the Blagojevich scandal broke that Planned Parenthood’s close relationship with Blagojevich might be called into question.
"I’ve been saying since this story broke I’m confident there’s a pay to play connection between Rod Blagojevich and Planned Parenthood of Chicago and/or its CEO Steve Trombley," she said.
"Bearing in mind Blagojevich apparently didn’t do anything without getting his skids greased," she recalled the story of Trombley saying in 2002 that Planned Parenthood would put $1 million behind his first race for governor.
The allegations about Blagojevich indicate he wanted campaign cash or other favors in exchange for his Senate seat appointment to replace Obama.
She thinks Planned Parenthood got its quid pro quo from Blagojevich, who holds the strings of the Illinois Finance Authority.
In May, Planned Parenthood received a $10 million nonprofit bond rating from the Illinois Finance Authority to build its new mammoth Aurora-based abortion business. Planned Parenthood used a false name, the Gemini Office Development corporation, to hide its identity.
"My concern has been U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald would have many bigger fish to fry than Planned Parenthood," Stanek said. "Will he pursue any possible pay to play connection between Blagojevich and Planned Parenthood?"
While Fitzgerald may not be able to investigate, Stanek says a leading pro-life law firm might look into the connection.
"I spoke with Tom Brejcha of the Thomas More Society yesterday, and he’s on it,’ Stanek says. "Since the Thomas More Society is not only suing Planned Parenthood and Trombley for libel but also for violations, he can and will do his own fishing by filing for discovery and requesting depositions with the Illinois Finance Authority."
Ironically, Planned Parenthood said as late as September that Blagojevich doesn’t play political games.
Planned Parenthood applauded Blagojevich, who has a long pro-abortion record, in September for writing a letter to the Bush administration opposing a new proposal.
The proposal would enforce existing laws protecting medical centers and staff from doing abortions against their will by revoking federal funds for those who violate the laws.
Blagojevich expressed his disapproval and asked that the proposal be withdrawn– prompting Planned Parenthood to thank him for "not playing politics" with women’s lives.
"While in office, Blagojevich has fought for women’s access to health care and he rightly views this proposal as one that will not only put access in jeopardy, but may also put women’s safety at risk," Planned Parenthood said at the time.
"He knows that when politics are put ahead of patients’ needs, you can’t just sit back and watch," the abortion group added.
Sign Up for Free Pro-Life News From LifeNews.com
Daily Pro-Life News Report Twice-Weekly Pro-Life
News Report Receive a free daily email report from LifeNews.com with the latest pro-life news stories on abortion, euthanasia and stem cell research. Sign up here. Receive a free twice-weekly email report with the latest pro-life news headlines on abortion, euthanasia and stem cell research. Sign up here.
