Haley: Abortion clinics were in violation of SC laws

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – Governor Nikki Haley said recent DHEC findings into the state’s abortion facilities are “completely unacceptable.” In a statement Gov. Haley said, “The entire country was shocked by the videos showing Planned Parenthood employees‘ horrifying disregard for human life. That prompted me to ask our appropriate state agency to investigate whether such wrongdoing was taking place in our state.” Haley went on to say that, “The Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has completed its investigation and has concluded that all three abortion clinics in the state are in fact in violation of South Carolina laws or regulations.” “I fully support DHEC‘s actions, including its referral of the matter to SLED. South Carolina is a compassionate state, and we are a state of laws,” Haley said. “We will not tolerate law breaking of any kind, particularly as it relates to the callous treatment of human life.” Last month, Governor Haley asked DHEC to “engage in a prompt and comprehensive investigation of the policies and practices of abortion clinics in our state, prioritizing those affiliated with or owned by Planned Parenthood, its subsidiaries, and its affiliates.” In a letter to DHEC Director Catherine Heigel, the governor wrote, “Over the past weeks, I have been shocked by recent accounts of unethical practices at clinics affiliated with Planned Parenthood.” ABC Columbia has reached out to the Governor’s office, DHEC and Planned Parenthood for a statement. We will bring you the latest on this story as it develops.