Planned Parenthood is facing serious tax violations allegations in Sarasota, Florida. Planned Parenthood has been charged by 40 Days for Life with illegal political coordination with the Harris-Walz campaign. An IRS complaint was filed over prohibited political activities that jeopardized Planned Parenthood’s tax-exempt status. The allegations include allowing the campaign to use Planned Parenthood’s Sarasota headquarters.
Allegations of Political Campaigning
Planned Parenthood, a well-known nonprofit organization, is accused of violating tax regulations by allegedly engaging in political campaigning activities at its Sarasota, Florida clinic. The pro-life group 40 Days for Life has filed a complaint with the Internal Revenue Service, claiming that Planned Parenthood violated its tax-exempt status by supporting the Harris-Walz presidential campaign.
The 42-page IRS complaint details a number of alleged political activities, such as the distribution of flyers promoting “Tim Walz Tuesdays” and the hosting of Walt Harris campaign events. If proven true, these activities could be a direct violation of the rules governing 501(c)(3) organizations, which expressly prohibit political campaigning.
Complaint Argues Planned Parenthood Broke Tax Law by Giving Workspace to Harris-Walz Campaign https://t.co/NQIed6mSwC
— Sara A. Carter (@SaraCarterDC) January 14, 2025
Evidence and Observations
According to the complaint, 40 Days for Life claims to have witnessed these violations while conducting regular protests outside Planned Parenthood locations. The group claims that Planned Parenthood allowed its Sarasota headquarters to be used for campaign purposes, a claim supported by photographs included in the complaint of campaign staffers entering what appears to be a Planned Parenthood office in Sarasota.
“They were giving out flyers that said Tim Walz Tuesdays, which doesn’t sound like the greatest time in the world, but nevertheless, they were promoting all these events, of hosting (Walz) Harris campaign events and providing their space to do that, which, of course, they did not do for the Republicans.” – Shawn Carney
Shawn Carney, CEO of 40 Days for Life, emphasized the gravity of the allegations, claiming that such activities are not permitted for a 501(c)(3) organization. The group hopes that the Trump administration will take action and has informed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis of the situation.
Potential Consequences
If the allegations are proven, Planned Parenthood may face severe consequences, including the loss of its tax-exempt status. This development has fueled calls to defund the organization by political figures such as Speaker Mike Johnson and Vice President-elect JD Vance.
The complaint also mentions a previous incident involving a Planned Parenthood mobile abortion bus near the Democratic National Convention, indicating a pattern of behavior that could jeopardize the organization’s legal standing.
Planned Parenthood’s Response
As of now, Planned Parenthood Florida has not responded to inquiries from media outlets regarding these allegations. The organization’s silence on the matter has only fueled further speculation and debate surrounding the accusations.
While Planned Parenthood’s political arm has previously praised Walz and Harris for supporting abortion rights, the organization itself is barred from engaging in direct political campaigning. The distinction between permissible lobbying and prohibited political activities is at the heart of this controversy.
Sources:
