For Immediate Release:
August 22, 2007

Contact:
Nanci Gonder
Office of Public Information
573-751-6062

State Health Director Terminates Jay Nixon for his Conflict of Interest
in Planned Parenthood Case

Jefferson City – Jane Drummond, Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, today notified Attorney General Jay Nixon that he has been terminated as the lawyer for her and the department in Planned Parenthood’s lawsuit against pro-life legislation due to his conflicts of interest in the case.  In a letter, Drummond cited Nixon’s pro-abortion record and close alliance with Planned Parenthood including his receipt of financial and political support from the abortion provider.

“As you have been an outspoken supporter of abortion on demand and a political ally of Planned Parenthood who has accepted campaign contributions from this abortion provider, I did not believe I could trust you to defend me and my department vigorously,” Drummond wrote in a letter to Nixon.

Planned Parenthood is suing the state in federal court against a new law that regulates abortion to protect women's safety by helping prevent botched abortions like the ones committed in Granite City, Illinois, prevents abortion providers from teaching in our classrooms and makes permanent the successful Alternatives to Abortion program which provides counseling to pregnant women.

Drummond also notified Nixon that she has secured pro bono counsel for her and the Department of Health and Senior Services in the Planned Parenthood lawsuit.

A copy of Director Drummond’s letter is attached.