Planned Parenthood Gets Federal Censorship of Damaging Videos

U.S. judge grants injunction against anti-abortion activists

A U.S. judge on Friday granted a preliminary injunction stopping the distribution of surreptitious videos taken by anti-abortion activists who alleged Planned Parenthood staff discussed the illegal sale of aborted fetal tissue.

The National Abortion Federation (NAF), a nonprofit representing abortion providers, accused the Center for Medical Progress and its founder, David Daleiden, in a lawsuit last year of illegally infiltrating and recording its private meetings.

San Francisco federal judge William Orrick last year issued a temporary order prohibiting the distribution of the videos, which he extended on Friday until the litigation is over. Orrick said he reviewed the videos and found no evidence of criminal activity by NAF members.

Catherine Short, an attorney for the Center for Medical Progress, said they had expected the ruling. Derek Foran, an attorney for the National Abortion Federation, said they are pleased.

"NAF's members can sleep a little easier tonight," Foran said.

NAF's members sleep well when they operate in secret; disclosure of their activities makes them nervous? As if they had consciences? No, nervous that they might lose customers for their kill attitudes and procedures if light is shown on them, illuminating for all to see.