Planned Parenthood has once again been referred to the FBI and DOJ for prosecution. The first request came after Planned Parenthood’s employees were caught on video haggling over body parts. 

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) made the first referral in December 2016. At the time, he said he didn’t make the referral lightly. But in this case, the abortion provider’s continued disregard for the law compelled him to act. Unless everyone involved is committed to preventing the sale of baby body parts, the practice will continue, he said. Until now, the DOJ has not enforced the law that bans buying and selling baby body parts.

Grassley and his team have reviewed more than 20,000 Planned Parenthood documents. They found that Planned Parenthood was turning a blind eye to employees’ criminal acts.

Grassley noted that his initial request was made during the transition when President Obama was still in office. He has asked the new agencies to give him written confirmation by May 8.

Changing Hearts and Laws

The videos have also prompted some states to consider laws more protective of unborn life. The Missouri House passed two such amendments earlier this week, reported The Associated Press. The first will ban abortions after 20 weeks, when the baby can feel pain. The second will ban the donation of baby body parts for research. It would also require (with a few exceptions) the consenting parent to notify the other parent.

Sixteen states have pain-capable unborn child protection laws on the books. These protect unborn children older than 20 weeks. In January, Kentucky governor Matt Bevin signed one into law. Iowa’s governor is expected to sign a similar bill on Friday.