Pathology lab has long history of failing to file paperwork

ST. LOUIS -- A St. Louis-area pathology lab that works with the St. Louis Planned Parenthood chapter failed to file required registration paperwork with the state last month.

A representative for the lab, Pathology Services Inc., told The St. Louis Post-Dispatch officials misunderstood the registration process. It was the sixth time the mistake has been made since 1994.

Pathology Services, which has a contract with the St. Louis facility to examine fetal tissue after an abortion, has been watched closely since controversial videos were released in July alleging Planned Parenthood illegally sold fetal tissue for profit, something Planned Parenthood has denied.

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster, a Democrat, found no evidence of wrongdoing in the state. But lawmakers have continued investigating.

Abortion opponents say the lab's failure to follow through on its paperwork is the latest example of the company's operational problems, which have extended to its operations in Illinois and Iowa.

Sam Lee, president for Campaign For Life Missouri, said the lab's failure to follow the law and its repeated failure to register with the secretary of state's office establishes a pattern.

Under Missouri law, the lab must send pathology reports to both Planned Parenthood and the state Department of Health and Senior Services.

A March inspection report of the St. Louis facility found lab officials weren't sending reports to the department.