Senator: MU hasn’t cut ties with Planned Parenthood

State Sen. Kurt Schaefer is now asking MU Chancellor Bowen Loftin for documents concerning a study that purports to, “gain a better understanding of the abortion decision-making process,” as well as the effects of Missouri’s 72-hour waiting period on the decision to have an abortion.

Schaefer’s letter to Loftin says the MU’s connection to this study is a concerning revelation considering the University’s recent “troubling connections” to Planned Parenthood.

Earlier this year Loftin told state lawmakers the University had cut ties with Planned Parenthood.

The allegations in Schaefer’s letter indicate Loftin either lied to the Senate panel, or Loftin himself was lied to by his own staff.

Missouri state law states, “it shall be unlawful for any public funds to be expended for the purpose of performing or assisting an abortion, not necessary to save the life of the mother, or for the purpose of encouraging or counseling a woman to have an abortion not to save her life.”

Schaefer alleges this study between Planned Parenthood and the University is a marketing aid for the group, and is not an unbiased research project.

The Senator has asked Loftin to provide him documents about this study by no later than 4 p.m this Friday.