LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A day after contradicting the Kentucky Science Center in denying it passed out graphic coloring books to a group of public school students last week, Planned Parenthood acknowledged Thursday a staff member "inadvertently" distributed the books.

Jennifer Allen, director of external affairs officer for the Planned Parenthood region that covers Kentucky and Indiana, said in a written statement Thursday the books "wouldn't typically be used in a setting like this event" and apologized for the error.

"While all material at the event was medically accurate, we apologize for this error and are reviewing our internal protocols," Allen said. "Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai‘i, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky believes strongly in the importance of accurate and comprehensive reproductive health information for all."

The Kentucky Science Center apologized Wednesday, claiming Planned Parenthood distributed an "Adult" coloring book to a group of 8- to 13-year-old public school students at an event March 21.

The science center posted a message Wednesday afternoon saying they "sincerely apologize for the distribution of a Planned Parenthood coloring book at our recent Health and Wellness Days event." However, Planned Parenthood vehemently disputed the coloring book was distributed at all, calling the claims "false" and "part of a coordinated attempt to stir outrage and manufacture controversy." On Thursday, they clarified their statement.

Planned Parenthood Coloring Book

One page from the Planned Parenthood adult "Coloring + Activity Book," which the Kentucky Science Center says was distributed to kids at one of its recent events. Planned Parenthood denies the claim. (Photo courtesy of Planned Parenthood)

The post says Planned Parenthood provided a coloring book "without our consent and it does not reflect our policies or the intended content for the event."

The science center said this book was the one distributed, which Planned Parenthood calls an "Adult Coloring and Activity Book." The book, which was created for Planned Parenthood's yearly conference, contains coloring sheets that show male and female private parts and other sexual education activities like crosswords and word searches. The conference is attended by affiliates and supporters and was meant as an activity for adult attendees.

Taylor U'Sellis, senior manager of marketing & communications for the science center, said several educators working March 21 said they saw the book being handed out.

"We deeply regret the harm this caused," the post says. "We are taking immediate steps to ensure that all materials distributed at our events are thoroughly reviewed in advance and this partner is no longer welcome at the Science Center."

The science center added Planned Parenthood showed up at 10:30 a.m. for the event that began at 9 a.m., which "made it difficult to assess the materials ...

"As we became aware, we immediately ceased the distribution of the book," U'Sellis said Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Allen contradicted the science center. In a written statement, Allen said Planned Parenthood was invited to be a "community partner" at the science center's Health & Wellness Days "to share information rooted in science, public health, and education." She denied the science center's claims, saying Planned Parenthood "did not distribute any coloring books" at the event.

"We want to be clear: the coloring book currently being circulated online was not distributed at the event," Allen said in a written statement. "Claims suggesting otherwise are false and appear to be part of a coordinated attempt to stir outrage and manufacture controversy. We remain committed to showing up for Kentucky youth and families with the information they need to lead safe and healthy lives."

Heather Terry, of Elizabethtown, said her 9-year old daughter came home from a school field trip with the book. 

"I don't care where the content came from," Terry said. "I didn't even know if it came from Planned Parenthood. I just know she'd gotten it at the science center and it said Planned Parenthood on it. My concern was the material itself and the content inside for my child personally. 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?'"

U'Sellis provided WDRB a purported screenshot of its advanced email sent to all partners for the event, included in which is a request to "Please let us know what you are planning to bring to the event." The letter also says more than 400 students from Farnsley Middle School, Conway Middle School, Helmwood Heights Elementary School, Grace James Academy and Mount Washington Middle School would be in attendance.

"Our materials used at events are age-appropriate, medically accurate, aligned with national standards and only used with appropriate audiences," Allen said.

The Facebook event, titled "Free Health & Wellness Days," advertises the ability for people to "Learn more about yourself and those around you! Health & Wellness Days connect guests with partners to learn about a variety of fields and professions related to our health, bodies, minds, how we think, how we feel, and much more."

Planned Parenthood was among the 22 organizations listed as partners for the event.

This story may be updated.

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