practices throughout the nation in question
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 11, 2008) – In the wake of fraud allegations against Planned Parenthood affiliates in California, American Life League calls on state attorneys general across the nation to investigate the possibility of fraud in other states.
"Every state's attorney general should be alarmed by Planned Parenthood's apparent $180 million fraud against California,” said Andrew Flusche, staff attorney for American Life League. “Attorneys general have the duty to protect their citizens from fraudulent practices by government contractors. Planned Parenthood's practices in California should prompt immediate nationwide investigations into the way it bills each state."
Earlier this week, a federal whistleblower lawsuit filed under the federal False Claims Act was unsealed following a review from the US attorney’s office. The lawsuit, which was filed in 2005 by former vice-president of Planned Parenthood-Los Angeles Victor Gonzalez, alleges that nine Planned Parenthood affiliates in California defrauded state and federal taxpayers to the tune of at least $180 million.
"The lawsuit reveals a 2004 state audit where Planned Parenthood of San Diego and Riverside Counties over-billed California by $5.2 million in 2003,” continued Flusche. “During that same period, the entire Planned Parenthood Federation received $265.2 million of taxpayer money. How can the American taxpayers believe that the other 107 affiliates are following the law?"
Flusche announced that American Life League is monitoring the situation closely and requesting over 150 other groups fighting Planned Parenthood to call for investigations of Planned Parenthood affiliates in their own states.
"Planned Parenthood's activity is a slap in the face to all taxpayers in this country,” concluded Flusche. “Our attorneys general must demand accountability for Planned Parenthood's actions and ensure that the taxpayers are not being defrauded."
American Life League was co-founded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro-life organization in the United States and it is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to death. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Michael Hichborn at 540.659.4171 or at 540.226.9178.
Released 11 Mar 08