WASHINGTON,D.C – Americans United for Life (AUL) applauds the recent decision to dismiss former Vice President Kamala Harris’s “lawfare” action against pro-life advocate David Daleiden, whose investigative work courageously exposed the unethical and profit-driven practices within the abortion industry. Daleiden’s undercover reporting revealed shocking truths about Planned Parenthood executives prioritizing profits over the welfare of women and children, sparking a national conversation on the abortion industry’s dark underbelly
On Monday, January 27th, David Daleiden announced that the State of California has agreed to dismiss the criminal case that Kamala Harris had brought against him when she was state’s attorney general, for engaging in undercover journalism to expose Planned Parenthood’s alleged trafficking of fetal tissue. In exchange, Daleiden entered a “no contest” plea on a single charge, which the court will enter as a misdemeanor, but then convert into a “not guilty” plea and dismiss in the future. The case’s outcome is a huge win for Daleiden, who has been defending his undercover journalism activities in court over the past decade.
Steven H. Aden, AUL’s Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel, commented:
“David Daleiden is a hero. His investigative journalism shone a light on the abortion industry’s love of money at the expense of women and children, and his work spurred real change—over a dozen states took action to defund Planned Parenthood affiliates from Medicaid eligibility, and the Supreme Court is now reviewing states’ rights to do so in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. Despite facing intense opposition, including a politically motivated raid on his home orchestrated by then-Attorney General Kamala Harris, David has emerged as the clear victor in this battle. Justice has been served.”
Federal law prohibits trafficking human fetal tissue for valuable consideration, and Daleiden’s groundbreaking work showing abortion industry executives discussing the sale of baby body parts unveiled practices that shocked the nation and catalyzed further legislative and cultural change. His work directly led to increased scrutiny on Planned Parenthood, public awareness of the abortion industry’s practices, and pro-life victories across the country.
The case being dismissed is a powerful reminder that investigative journalism in defense of life must not be silenced by political retribution. Daleiden’s ability to prevail despite coordinated efforts to intimidate and punish him—including a raid on his home by Kamala Harris—demonstrates the resilience of the pro-life movement.
“David’s case underscores the urgent need for leaders who defend the sanctity of life and the rights of states to hold organizations like Planned Parenthood accountable,” commented AUL CEO John Mize. “As we hail a pro-life president’s decision to pardon 23 pro-life advocates jailed for violating a no-longer-existent federal ‘right’ to abortion, we also hail this decision restoring freedom to a man who has done so much to expose injustice. This moment is not just a victory for David—it’s a victory for life and truth.”
The implications of Daleiden’s work will continue to reverberate, particularly as the Supreme Court considers the states’ right to defund Planned Parenthood affiliates in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. AUL has filed amicus briefs supporting the states’ ability to redirect taxpayer dollars to providers who genuinely serve women and families.
For more information on Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic and AUL’s work defending life, visit aul.org.
For more information or to arrange an interview with AUL, contact Alison Centofante at press@aul.org or 609-517-7235.
Since 1971, Americans United for Life (AUL) has advanced the human right to life in culture, law, and policy by equipping advocates and lawmakers with the facts and strategies that change hearts and minds and protect human life. The first national pro-life organization in the country, AUL is a nonprofit, public-interest law and policy organization with a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.