U.S. Reps. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.), along with 65 of their House Republican colleagues, today called on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide any assistance requested by state authorities in investigating the discovery of human fetal remains on the property of Indiana abortionist Ulrich “George” Klopfer, and to open a separate inquiry if any federal laws were violated. In a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr, the members also requested a DOJ review of state laws pertaining to the disposition of human fetal remains.
“The discovery of more than 2,200 preserved human fetal remains on the property of a man infamously known as Indiana’s most prolific abortionist reveals a callous disregard for the sanctity of human life,” the members wrote. “This case has countless victims – both unborn babies and mothers – and represents a grotesque violation of human dignity that American society should not and cannot tolerate. We urge you to do everything in your power to support the Indiana and Illinois attorneys general in their investigations, and to keep us apprised of any developments.”
In September, more than 2,200 human fetal remains were recently discovered on Klopfer’s property in Illinois. The recently-deceased abortionist practiced in northern Indiana for decades until 2015, shortly before his medical license was suspended. In the days following the discovery, Indiana and Illinois authorities opened a coordinated investigation into the matter.
Walorski and Banks last week led Republican members of the Indiana congressional delegation in urging Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill to ensure the remains are handled according to Indiana laws requiring the burial or cremation of fetal remains.
A copy of the signed letter to Barr is available here. The full text is below.
Dear Attorney General Barr,
We write to you regarding the horrific discovery of more than 2,200 preserved human fetal remains on the Illinois property of the recently deceased abortionist Ulrich “George” Klopfer, who practiced for decades in northern Indiana until 2015. A careful and thorough investigation of this matter is necessary to ensure justice is done and to prevent such tragic situations from occurring in the future.
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This gruesome discovery raises many concerns including the date and location of the abortions, the gestational age of each unborn child at the time of the abortion, the mode in which the remains were transported to the property in Illinois, and the current physical condition of the remains. It is also crucial to know if there are any other individuals who have knowledge of this activity or may bear responsibility for the preservation and transfer of the remains, as well as if any state or federal laws were violated.
In the days after the remains were discovered, the attorneys general of Indiana and Illinois announced a coordinated investigation. We ask that the U.S. Department of Justice do everything within its authority to assist in this investigation, including providing any resources, guidance, and support the state attorneys general might request. We also ask that you determine whether any federal laws may have been violated by Klopfer or others, and that you order a full criminal investigation if deemed appropriate.
Finally, we request the Department’s review of state laws regarding the disposition of human fetal remains. State laws vary with regard to the dignified treatment of human fetal remains, presenting challenges when such remains are transported across state lines. For instance, in 2016 the state of Indiana passed a law, which was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court this year, requiring the respectful burial or cremation of human fetal remains. The state of Illinois has no such law requiring burial or cremation of human fetal remains. Therefore, a review of state laws will aid Congress in examining potential legislative remedies to ensure human fetal remains are always treated with dignity.
The discovery of more than 2,200 preserved human fetal remains on the property of a man infamously known as Indiana’s most prolific abortionist reveals a callous disregard for the sanctity of human life. This case has countless victims – both unborn babies and mothers – and represents a grotesque violation of human dignity that American society should not and cannot tolerate. We urge you to do everything in your power to support the Indiana and Illinois attorneys general in their investigations, and to keep us apprised of any developments. Thank you for your prompt attention to this pressing matter, and we look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
