Written by Matthew Collins.

Planned Parenthood has once again found itself in the political crosshairs, this time accused of violating tax laws by allegedly aiding the Harris-Walz presidential campaign. According to the anti-abortion group 40 Days for Life, the organization allowed campaign activities on its property, potentially jeopardizing its tax-exempt status.

These allegations have sparked outrage among conservatives and reignited calls to defund Planned Parenthood, with prominent political leaders urging federal authorities to investigate. Let’s break down the accusations, their implications, and what this means for the future of one of the nation’s most controversial organizations.

The Allegations: Campaigning on Tax-Exempt Property

The accusations center around events held at an art gallery leasing space from Planned Parenthood in Sarasota, Florida. According to 40 Days for Life, the gallery served as a base for campaign activities supporting the Harris-Walz ticket, including phone banking events and distributing promotional materials.

Shawn Carney, CEO of 40 Days for Life, didn’t mince words. “They were giving out flyers promoting Tim Walz Tuesdays, hosting campaign events, and using their space to do that,” Carney told Fox News. “You just can’t do that as a 501(c)(3). This is very, very basic. They were stupid to do it.”

The complaint, which was filed with the IRS, alleges that Planned Parenthood’s involvement in these activities crossed the line from permissible lobbying into outright political endorsement—a big no-no for tax-exempt organizations. The group also claimed to have photographic evidence backing up their allegations.

What’s the Difference Between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4)?

To understand why these accusations matter, it’s important to know the difference between a 501(c)(3) and a 501(c)(4).

• 501(c)(3): This designation applies to tax-exempt charities and nonprofits. They can’t directly or indirectly endorse or oppose political candidates. Violating this rule could lead to losing their tax-exempt status.
• 501(c)(4): These are social welfare organizations that can engage in some political activities, but it must not be their primary focus.

Planned Parenthood operates both types of entities. However, Carney alleges that the campaign activities were conducted through their 501(c)(3), not their 501(c)(4) action fund, making it a potential legal violation.

“This wasn’t their action fund,” Carney said, emphasizing the distinction. “This is clearly about their tax-exempt entity.”

A Pattern of Controversy

This isn’t the first time Planned Parenthood has faced accusations of mixing politics with its nonprofit work. 40 Days for Life also flagged a separate incident involving a Planned Parenthood mobile clinic near the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. While the clinic wasn’t parked directly at the convention, critics argued its presence was symbolic and strategically timed.

For conservatives, these incidents paint a troubling picture of an organization that receives substantial taxpayer funding while allegedly skirting the rules. “They should not get $750 million of our tax dollars,” Carney said, echoing the sentiments of Speaker Mike Johnson and Vice President-elect JD Vance.

Planned Parenthood’s Response

At the time of writing, Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida has not publicly responded to the allegations. Attempts by media outlets to get a comment were met with silence, leaving critics and supporters alike to speculate on the organization’s next move.

However, Planned Parenthood’s political arm has been vocal in its support of the Harris-Walz ticket. In August 2024, Tim Stanley, the executive director of Planned Parenthood of Minnesota Political Action Fund, praised the pair, calling them “champions” for reproductive rights.

“When they visited the Planned Parenthood in St. Paul this March, they showed the country that they are serious about protecting access to essential health care,” Stanley said.

Calls for Action

With the allegations gaining traction, 40 Days for Life has called on the Trump administration to investigate Planned Parenthood’s activities. The group has also alerted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ team, although Carney acknowledged that this is ultimately a federal matter.

Carney’s goal is clear: he wants accountability and an end to federal funding for Planned Parenthood. “We have all the evidence, and we have pictures of them promoting the Harris-Walz campaign,” he said. “It’s a clear violation.”

Our Take

This situation raises serious concerns about the use of taxpayer dollars and the integrity of nonprofit organizations. If Planned Parenthood did, in fact, allow campaign activities on tax-exempt property, it represents a blatant disregard for the rules that govern 501(c)(3) entities.

For years, conservatives have argued that Planned Parenthood’s access to federal funding enables it to blur the lines between healthcare and politics. These allegations only add fuel to the fire. An organization that receives hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars must be held to the highest standards of accountability.

Defunding Planned Parenthood isn’t just a conservative talking point—it’s a practical solution to ensure that taxpayer money isn’t indirectly supporting political agendas. Whether you support or oppose Planned Parenthood’s mission, this case highlights the need for stricter oversight of how nonprofits operate.

In the end, this isn’t just about Planned Parenthood. It’s about ensuring that all tax-exempt organizations play by the rules, regardless of their political leanings. Without accountability, trust in these institutions—and the system as a whole—erodes.