WASHINGTON, DC (CWNews.com) - A US House Committee this week is holding hearings on the illegal sale of baby parts for research harvested from abortion clinics after Democrats on the panel unsuccessfully attempted to exclude the press and public from the meetings.

    "Democrats are trying to throw a cloak over these proceedings," Douglas Johnson, legislative director for the National Right to Life Committee said Wednesday. The Democrats on the Commerce Committee were joined by some pro-abortion Republicans in asking for the closed-door hearings, claiming fear of violence against those who participate.

    At issue is the reported sale of body parts from aborted babies to scientists researching illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease, AIDS, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease. According to federal law, tissue used in research must be donated, not sold, but the Texas-based pro-life group Life Dynamics, Inc. revealed last year that harvesting organizations were renting space in abortion clinics in exchange for access to the aborted babies. They also alleged that some abortionists perform unsafe procedures on mothers if it means a better chance of salvaging the baby parts.

    Both the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Right to Life Committee issued statements Wednesday accusing abortion activists on the committee of trying to prevent the public from learning about the grisly trade.