Planned Parenthood Goes for Blood in Suit Against Undercover Video Producers

Planned Parenthood has filed a lawsuit against David Daleiden and the Center for Medical Progress seeking two injunctions to prevent Daleiden from launching further undercover investigations into Planned Parenthood’s activities. Daleiden is already under court order barring him from releasing footage shot at National Abortion Federation conferences of his conversations with Planned Parenthood officials regarding the sale of fetal body parts and other illegal activities.

The injunctions sought by Planned Parenthood are clearly prior restraints on speech, which the Supreme Court has held are “the most serious and least tolerable infringement on First Amendment rights.” Planned Parenthood is also seeking treble damages for alleged “racketeering” as well as punitive damages and attorney fees, all of which could add up to millions of dollars. 

“This is truly a case of David v. the Goliath of the abortion industry,” says Life Legal Executive Director Alexandra Snyder. “Daleiden’s videos have raised legitimate questions regarding Planned Parenthood’s willingness to engage in unethical and criminal conduct. Rather than addressing the substance of the message, Planned Parenthood is out to crush the messenger.”

Planned Parenthood’s annual revenue tops $1.4 billion dollars and the corporation holds another $1.4 billion in assets. The abortion giant is represented by Arnold and Porter, LLP, an international firm with over 700 attorneys.

The Life Legal Defense Foundation represents Daleiden in the Planned Parenthood suit, as well as the suit filed by the National Abortion Federation last July.

Read Planned Parenthood’s complaint here.