Continued Ties with Abortion Centers Sparks Controversy
Despite its policy against accepting fetuses from clinics as medical waste, Stericycle, a waste management company, has come under fire for reportedly disposing of such tissue from clinics across North America for years. This has led to protests by local pro-life groups, including Grand Rapids Right to Life in 2019. Despite cutting ties with numerous abortion centers, Stericycle continued servicing Planned Parenthood facilities, albeit with a requirement for certification that no fetal remains were included in the waste it transported. These ongoing ties to abortion centers have fueled further protests against the company over the years.
Political Candidate’s Connection to Stericycle Raises Concerns
In 2012, a then-Republican presidential candidate faced criticism for his involvement in an investment group, Bain Capital, which reportedly invested millions in Stericycle. When questioned about this, the candidate, who went on to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands, emphasized his pro-life stance but did not address the company’s transportation of fetal remains. The candidate, Pete Hoekstra, served almost two decades in Congress before assuming his ambassadorial role. Recently, Hoekstra was elected as the new chair of the Michigan Republican Party, a decision that has sparked a contentious dispute within the organization.
Dispute over Michigan Republican Party Leadership
The election of Pete Hoekstra as the chair of the Michigan Republican Party has caused a split within the organization. Former chairwoman Kristina Karamo refuses to accept the vote, claiming she is still in charge. Lawyers with the Republican National Committee maintain that Karamo was “properly removed.” Former President Trump has weighed in on the matter, expressing his support for Hoekstra and endorsing him as the new party chairman. The dispute remains unresolved, leaving the Michigan Republican Party in a state of uncertainty.
Trump’s Endorsement
Former President Trump, on his social media platform Truth Social, voiced his support for Pete Hoekstra as the new chairman of the Michigan Republican Party. Trump praised Hoekstra’s previous accomplishments as a congressman and ambassador and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the party to greatness. The endorsement adds further weight to Hoekstra’s position and could potentially influence the outcome of the ongoing dispute within the Michigan Republican Party.