The Kentucky Science Center in Louisville and Planned Parenthood found themselves in hot water after sexually explicit coloring books were handed out to children during an event. The books were passed out on March 21^st to children ages 8 to 13 during Health and Wellness days attended by some 400 public school students. The books included images of male and female genitalia, a sex “ad libs” game, and a word search involving anatomical references. Several educators reported seeing the books being passed out.

On March 26, the Center issued an apology for the material. “We sincerely apologize for the distribution of a Planned Parenthood coloring book at our recent Health & Wellness Days event. Planned Parenthood provided this material without our consent and it does not reflect our policies or the intended content for the event,” the post said. The Center also apologized for any “harm” caused by the materials and also seemed to imply that Planned Parenthood would no longer be welcomed to the Center.

According to the Center, the event started at 9 but Planned Parenthood did not show up until 10:30, making it difficult to check the materials. Taylor U’Sellis, senior manager of marketing & communications for the Science Center, claimed an email had been sent to community partners with a request to inform the Center of what they would be bringing. One mother, Heather Terry, stated that her daughter, aged 9, came home with one of the books. She stated she didn’t know where it came from originally, but was angry with “the material itself.” “I feel like that’s something I should have control over — when she sees and how she gets that information, not just given out freely because she walked up and someone says ‘Here do you want a coloring book?’” she said. U’Sellis stated that as soon as they became aware of the material, they stopped its distribution “immediately.”

Planned Parenthood initially denied that it even passed out the books. “We want to be clear: the coloring book currently being circulated online was not distributed at the event. Claims suggesting otherwise are false and appear to be part of a coordinated attempt to stir outrage and manufacture controversy,” stated Jennifer Allen, director of external affairs officer for the Planned Parenthood. “We remain committed to showing up for Kentucky youth and families with the information they need to lead safe and healthy lives.” However, Planned Parenthood then acknowledged passing out the materials, claiming it was a mistake. “We have learned that a staff member inadvertently distributed an item that wouldn’t typically be used in a setting like this event…we apologize for this error and are reviewing our internal protocols,” Planned Parenthood reportedly stated. The books were intended for Planned Parenthood’s annual conference. “While all material at the event was medically accurate, we apologize for this error and are reviewing our internal protocol. Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai‘i, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky believes strongly in the importance of accurate and comprehensive reproductive health information for all,” stated Allen.

Conservatives on the internet were quick to doubt Planned Parenthood’s intentions. “Why do these ‘errors’ keep happening? Why did Planned Parenthood lie?” Libs of TikTok asked after noting Planned Parenthood’s denial and then apology. “I wonder what the Science Center thought PP would talk about?” asked conservative Kentucky podcaster Andrew Cooperrider. “All they do is sex. Why were they there? Kentucky law requires schools to give a two week notice and the ability to opt out to parents before their children are instructed in sex ed. Having PP there was never going to end well.”