Death Threats And Subpoenas: How Congress’ Fetal Research Probe Turned A Tiny Company Upside Down
StemExpress is a small biomedical company based in California, and its work with fetal tissue has catapulted it into the national spotlight. Meanwhile, the special congressional panel is drawing criticism from Democrats, who say Republican lawmakers are abusing their authority and putting lives at risk.
The Washington Post:
‘We Lose Money Doing This’: Tiny Company Caught In Abortion Debate Takes On Congress
StemExpress, a tiny biomedical company in [Placerville, Calif., a] foothill town east of Sacramento, has emerged at the heart of the contentious national debate over abortion and the scientific use of human fetal tissue. FBI agents say its floor-to-ceiling windows are security hazards, a potential line of sight for snipers. The backdrop of pine trees and hills provides cover, employees say, to strangers who crouch with cameras. Inside, Melanie Rose, a laboratory technician, knows anyone could be watching. One recent May morning, she opened a foam box with fetal tissue packed in ice — a donation for medical research. ... That work, with fetal tissue, has catapulted the small biotech firm out from under the radar. It is now the target of loiterers, protesters and death threats and the subject of a congressional inquiry. (Paquette, 5/27)
Nashville Tennessean:
Blackburn's Panel On Abortion Providers Under Fire From Democrats
U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn insists there’s no partisan agenda behind the investigation she’s leading into the medical procedures and business practices of abortion providers. But the investigation has been roiled with partisan warfare for weeks, with Democrats charging that Blackburn and Republicans on the panel conducting the probe are abusing their authority and putting lives at risk. (Collins, 5/29)
Elsewhere, Oklahoma lawmakers adjourn without trying to override the governor's veto of a bill making performing an abortion a felony, advocates move on Florida's 24-hour wait period and Cincinnati's only abortion clinic will remain open —
The Associated Press:
Oklahoma Fails To Make Doctor-Performed Abortions A Felony
Doctors who perform abortions in Oklahoma won't be guilty of a felony after the state Senate adjourned for the year without trying to override Republican Gov. Mary Fallin's veto of a bill to make it a felony crime. The Senate ended the session Friday before state Sen. Nathan Dahm tried an override on his bill to remove an exemption from the law for licensed doctors. (5/27)
Health News Florida:
Supreme Court Urged To Block Abortion Waiting Period
Focusing heavily on a right to privacy, abortion-rights advocates have filed an initial brief urging the Florida Supreme Court to block a 2015 law that seeks to require women to wait 24 hours before having abortions. (5/27)
The Cincinnati Inquirer:
Cincy's Sole Abortion Clinic Can Continue Operations
Cincinnati's sole abortion clinic can remain open for another year thanks to last-minute approval from the Ohio Department of Health. (Balmert, 5/27)
