A branch of Planned Parenthood in Florida is under scrutiny for potential breaches of its tax-exempt status.
The allegations stem from a complaint directed at the IRS by the advocacy group 40 Days for Life, recognized for organizing prayer vigils at abortion facilities.
Complaint Details
In December, 40 Days for Life filed an extensive 42-page complaint that provided photographic evidence of political activities occurring at their Sarasota location.
Notably, one image depicted an employee wearing a campaign shirt for Vice President Kamala Harris as they entered the facility.
Further investigation by The Christian Post uncovered that Planned Parenthood allowed the Sarasota County Democratic Party to host a political event supporting the Harris-Walz campaign back in October 2024.
A spokesperson from 40 Days for Life mentioned that they are still waiting for a response from the new Trump administration regarding any investigations into these concerns.
Political Activities
The criticized event, known as a “Phone Bank at Love Art Repeat,” involved participants making campaign calls in shifts, all while surrounded by campaign signage.
Although the Harris/Walz sign was briefly removed the day after the event, it was promptly reinstalled.
On November 1, 2024, the same location reportedly functioned as another call center, with various individuals seen entering the premises to participate in campaign activities.
According to the complaint, these politically charged activities persisted until November 3, 2024.
Tax-Exempt Status Risks
The complaint contends that Planned Parenthood’s actions clearly constitute prohibited political activities, putting its tax-exempt status at risk.
These activities, the complaint argues, differ significantly from acceptable lobbying under the Internal Revenue Code, which is specifically designed for political organizations and campaign committees.
Sean Carney, the CEO of 40 Days for Life, expressed concern over Planned Parenthood’s numerous violations, especially given their continuous presence outside abortion clinics, where the organization provides alternatives to abortion.
He noted the apparent partisanship exhibited by Planned Parenthood, citing instances of campaign flyer distribution and exclusive events for the Harris-Walz campaign, without offering similar opportunities to Republican candidates.
Carney insisted that such conduct fundamentally contradicts the obligations of a 501(c)(3) organization, which is strictly forbidden from participating in political campaigning.
As of now, Planned Parenthood has not responded to The Christian Post’s inquiries about these allegations.
If they do provide a comment, the article will be updated accordingly.
In addition to this particular complaint, 40 Days for Life, in collaboration with the Institute of Law and Justice, has also filed another complaint against Planned Parenthood Great Rivers.
They claim that during the Democratic National Convention, the organization engaged in partisan political activity by operating a mobile clinic offering free abortion services.
In summary, it is imperative for the IRS to thoroughly examine whether Planned Parenthood’s actions violate regulations against political involvement.
Any confirmed violations could result in the loss of their tax-exempt status and subject them to financial penalties.
Source: Christianpost
