Missouri Republicans say legislation in the House would plug holes in state oversight of fetal tissue disposal.
A House panel on Tuesday began considering five bills that would ban fetal tissue donations, establish a tracking system for fetal remains and require at least two inspections of abortion facilities each year. The legislation also calls for facilities handling fetal remains to create whistleblower protection policies.
Bill sponsors Reps. Diane Franklin and Andrew Koenig said their proposals are a response to undercover videos alleging Planned Parenthood officials were selling fetal tissue for profit.
Democrats pointed to an investigation by Attorney General Chris Koster finding no evidence of wrongdoing in Missouri.
Republicans said the state lacks the tools to track fetal remains, making it impossible to be sure nothing illegal happened.
