Planned Parenthood is scrambling after a third video exposing the group selling aborted fetal parts (Watch by clicking HERE). The group has hired respected crisis-management firm SKDKnickerbocker to handle the avalanche of bad press.
Today marks the latest in a string of shocking undercover videos that have been released which show Planned Parenthood officials nonchalantly discussing the selling of the organs and pieces of aborted fetuses. The first video caused a stir, then a second was released a few days later. Today’s video has thrown the group into full crisis mode.
From Politico:
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The additional PR firepower reflects the growing pressure on the women’s health organization amid building GOP calls to cut its $540 million in government funding. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) earlier this week called to halt Planned Parenthood’s federal funding while Congress investigates whether the organization broke a federal ban on profiting from fetal tissue donation. The Senate plans to hold a vote on a defunding amendment from Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and others that is likely to fail.
SKDKnickerbocker is no newbie to working on Planned Parenthood issues. The Democratically aligned firm is run by well-connected operatives, including Anita Dunn and Hilary Rosen. It also worked with the group during the 2012 election cycle, according to SKDKnickerbocker’s website.
“Planned Parenthood is a longtime client, and we are proud to help them push back against these extremist attacks from people who want to end reproductive health care for women in this country,” a SKDKnickerbocker spokesman said in a statement.
The group circulated a memo to reporters and producers late Monday that discouraged them from airing the undercover videos, arguing that they were obtained under false identification and violated patient privacy.
“Those patients’ privacy should not be further violated by having this footage shared by the media,” the memo reads.
Planned Parenthood also has lobbying firms Capitol Counsel on retainer. Glover Park Group has also previously done work for the group. Planned Parenthood spent nearly $1.3 million on lobbying during the first six months of 2015, according to federal disclosures.
