Dozens lined the streets in front of the Planned Parenthood in Lakeland Saturday.
The organizers said they’re just doing what hundreds of others across the country are doing.
“This is national,” said organizer Steven Wedgeworth. “They have 330 cities are doing this same demonstration right now across the country and I think even in a few other nations there are demonstrations of solidarity with the pro-life cause.”
These protests are happening more often because of the recent controversy with Planned Parenthood’s handling of fetal tissue.
A series of videos released since July by anti-abortion groups purportedly show Planned Parenthood employees talking about fetal tissue donation.
Some abortion opponents accuse Planned Parenthood of selling the tissue for profit.
Several states have ordered investigations into the group’s policies.
“We’ve faced these types of political attacks before and they just haven’t worked,” said Planned Parenthood CEO Barbara Zdravecky. “And Planned Parenthood will continue to be here for our patients no matter what.”
Zdravecky said the allegations against them just aren’t true.
“The allegation that Planned Parenthood profits in any way from tissue donation is outrageous and not true,” Zdravecky said. “While we do not have donation programs in Florida, some Planned Parenthood organizations in other states do. And they follow all laws and ethical guidelines.”
Protesters gathered at 320 Planned Parenthood clinics around the country Saturday.
They're calling for the end to federal funding for the health care provider.