Over 50 Republican Lawmakers Urge Federal Probe into Five Baby Deaths at D.C. Abortion Clinic

By Brian Freeman
Tuesday, July 21, 2026

A coalition of more than 50 Republican lawmakers has demanded acting Attorney General Todd Blanche launch a federal investigation into the deaths of five babies whose remains were recovered from a Washington, D.C., abortion clinic in 2022. The lawmakers assert that the case has remained unexamined for years despite repeated congressional concerns.

Led by Senator Mike Lee of Utah and Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey, the lawmakers instructed Blanche to “comprehensively investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of five preborn children” recovered by the Metropolitan Police Department from the Washington Surgi-Clinic—formerly operated by late-term abortion provider Dr. Cesare Santangelo.

In a letter sent Tuesday, the lawmakers requested that the Justice Department determine whether the infants were victims of illegal infanticide or violations of the federal Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. They wrote: “For four years, members of Congress have remained alarmed at this clear violation of life and law, but the Biden Administration Department of Justice refused to act.” The letter noted that the remains remain in custody with D.C.’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

The lawmakers called for Blanche to mandate a “thorough investigation into the death of each child,” including autopsies, evidence preservation, and analysis of federal criminal law violations. They also urged the Justice Department to ensure proper burial arrangements for the infants. The letter stated: “We cannot undo the grievous, barbaric acts that killed these children in their most vulnerable stage, but we equally cannot allow such lawlessness and inhumanity to evade our justice system any longer.” It added: “Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, we are hopeful these children will finally receive the justice they deserve.”

The Justice Department confirmed receipt of the letter, stating it is reviewing the correspondence with appropriate personnel. The lawmakers also highlighted that Lee and Smith initially sought an investigation from former Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2022 but claim the Justice Department never responded or initiated a federal inquiry. Reports indicate officials advised D.C. medical examiners to dispose of remains before congressional intervention forced evidence preservation.

The case traces back to March 2022, when pro-life activists Lauren Handy and Terrisa Bukovinac turned fetal remains they claimed obtained outside the Washington Surgi-Clinic over to police. Pro-life physicians reviewing the remains in 2022 estimated one infant was between 28 and 32 weeks gestation and another near full term, with injuries potentially consistent with a procedure banned under the federal Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. These findings were cited by lawmakers but remain unconfirmed by federal investigators or D.C. officials.

Federal authorities have never publicly announced criminal charges related to the five infants’ deaths, and Washington, D.C.’s medical examiner has not released autopsy results or a determination of cause or manner of death. The letter noted that several signatories—including Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Ted Cruz of Texas, and Josh Hawley of Missouri—serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is expected to vote on Blanche’s nomination in coming days.