Fact check: Is it illegal to donate to planned parenthood

1. Summary of the results

Donating to Planned Parenthood is completely legal. The organization operates as a tax-exempt 501(c)^[1] organization, and donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable under the law ^[2]. The organization receives approximately 36% of their nearly $2 billion annual revenue from individual and corporate donations ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual points need to be considered:

• Funding Structure: Planned Parenthood receives funding from multiple sources, including private donations, grants, and health center revenue ^[4].
• Political Components: The organization has multiple political action committees that can legally receive contributions ^[5]. Notable donors include prominent figures such as George Soros and Michael Bloomberg ^[5].
• Fetal Tissue Controversy: While there have been controversies, multiple state and federal investigations, including investigations in at least 15 states and a Congressional investigation, found no evidence of illegal activities regarding fetal tissue donation ^[6]. The National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act of 1993 explicitly allows fetal tissue donation with specific restrictions ^[7].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The question itself might stem from several sources of confusion or misinformation:

• Political Narratives: Various political groups benefit from creating uncertainty about the legality of supporting Planned Parenthood. Anti-abortion activists often challenge the organization's practices, while pro-choice advocates benefit from emphasizing its legal status and healthcare services.
• Funding Controversies: While some controversy exists around Planned Parenthood's activities, these debates center on the use of funds rather than the legality of donations themselves. The organization maintains multiple legal channels for receiving donations, including online, mail, phone, and stock or IRA rollover options ^[2].
• Regulatory Compliance: The organization operates within established legal frameworks, with clear regulations governing both donations and operations. For instance, while fetal tissue donation is legal, there are specific restrictions to prevent profiting or coercion ^[7].