Planned Parenthood responds to state investigation

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FORT MYERS, Fla.- Planned Parenthood is facing sharp criticism after some state clinics were accused of performing abortions that are not allowed under their licenses.

The organization is trying to determine how best to fight back against the accusations they say are not true.

Planned Parenthood says it was blind-sided by the state findings. It accuses the state of changing the rules, to put pressure on the organization.

The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) says the Fort Myers clinic performed 21 abortions in the second trimester, during the past year when it’s licensed for first-trimester procedures only. The Naples location is accused of performing 19 abortions that it should not have.

AHCA demands that both clinics immediately cease abortions in the second trimester.

Planned Parenthood  defines first trimester as 13 weeks and 6 days. It says the state suddenly is changing the definition to less than that.

The organization refused on-camera interviews Thursday, but it did release a statement saying:

“The state regulations are grossly inconsistent. Planned Parenthood is alarmed by the changing of definitions.”

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