Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit today against David Daleiden and the Center for Medical Progress. The suit seeks to prevent Daleiden from ever launching another undercover investigation into Planned Parenthood’s activities.
In legal terms, this is an unconstitutional “prior restraint” on speech. The Supreme Court has held that prior restraints are “the most serious and the least tolerable infringement on First Amendment rights” (Nebraska Press Association v. Stewart).
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. The abortion giant is represented by an international law firm—one of the largest in the nation—with headquarters in Washington, D.C.
“We are not surprised that Planned Parenthood has filed this lawsuit. Daleiden’s videos have raised serious questions regarding Planned Parenthood’s integrity that have resulted in a congressional investigation and calls to withdraw over $500 million in taxpayer funding from the organization,” notes Life Legal Executive Director Alexandra Snyder. “Daleiden and the Center for Medical Progress have exposed Planned Parenthood’s willingness to engage in unethical and criminal conduct and now the organization is doing everything in its power to silence the messenger.”
We are honored to represent David as he faces the Goliath of the abortion industry. But we know that this lawsuit will not be quick and it will not be cheap. If you can, please help us protect David Daleiden’s free speech rights and keep Planned Parenthood from burdening him with fines that could shut him down.