Hillary Clinton finds Planned Parenthood video ‘disturbing’

WASHINGTON — Hillary Rodham Clinton issued a rare comment critical of an abortion-rights group Wednesday, saying she was disturbed by undercover videos of Planned Parenthood officials discussing the sale of fetal tissue.

“I have seen pictures from them and obviously find them disturbing,” Clinton told the New Hampshire Union Leader.

Clinton made her comments as Republican lawmakers are gearing up to investigate Planned Parenthood, whose officials were caught on camera discussing the sale of tissue made available during abortions.

Republicans also are pushing renewed efforts to defund the organization.

Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.), both GOP presidential contenders, called for Clinton to return campaign contributions from the group, the largest US abortion provider.

Clinton, who stands firmly in the pro-choice camp, nevertheless continued to support the organization, which has been under fire since the first sting videos were released by a group called the Center for Medical Progress.

“Planned Parenthood is answering questions and will continue to answer questions,” Clinton said.

“One, Planned Parenthood for more than a century has done a lot of really good work for women — cancer screenings, family planning, all kinds of health services. And this raises not questions about Planned Parenthood so much as it raises questions about the whole process, that is, not just involving Planned Parenthood, but many institutions in our country.”

Planned Parenthood complained that the videos were heavily edited, and insists that fetal tissue transactions are not intended to raise cash, but to cover expenses and allow for scientific research.