"The horror over Planned Parenthood's illegal harvesting and trafficking of baby parts is a social justice issue for the Church, if ever one existed." -- IRD Evangelical Program Director Chelsen Vicari

Contact: Jeff Walton, Institute on Religion and Democracy, 202-682-4131, 202-413-5639 cell, jwalton@TheIRD.org

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- The House Judiciary Committee launched an investigation into Planned Parenthood's illegal harvesting and selling of fetal parts this week during a hearing titled, "Examining the Horrific Abortion Practices at the Nation's Largest Abortion Provider."

A coalition of pro-life organizations is also organizing a noon event Thursday on Capitol Hill featuring Presidential Candidate and Kentucky Senator Rand Paul. "#WomenBetrayed: The Real Stories Rally & Lobby Day" is calling upon Congress to pass a budget that defunds Planned Parenthood.

On Friday, the 2.3 million member Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod is calling upon its members to take part in a Day of Remembrance for children who have been aborted.

IRD Evangelical Program Director Chelsen Vicari commented:

"The horror over Planned Parenthood's illegal harvesting and trafficking of baby parts is a social justice issue for the Church, if ever one existed. Yet sadly, some among the Evangelical Left refuse to acknowledge or comment on the abortion giant's crimes against humanity, preferring instead to deflect attention by criticizing faithful believers' pro-life methods.

"For the Church, Planned Parenthood's dehumanizing of the unborn and exploitation of expectant mothers should not be viewed as a divisive topic. The sacredness of human life is something every follower of Christ is instructed to protect.

"The IRD commends churches like the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod for hosting a 'Day of Remembrance' commemorating the lives lost to abortion as well as the faithful women and men working tirelessly to organize Thursday's #WomenBetrayed: The Real Stories Rally & Lobby Day on Capitol Hill. May God bless their advocacy for the most vulnerable among us."

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