Indicted Anti-Abortion Extremist David Daleiden is Arrested by Texas Authorities

Washington, D.C.--- Today, anti-abortion extremist David Daleiden turned himself in to the Harris County authorities, and was arrested, processed, booked, fingerprinted, and had to post bond. His surrender follows a felony indictment by a grand jury related to his slanderous campaign against Planned Parenthood health centers. The same grand jury, after reviewing the evidence for two months, cleared Planned Parenthood of all wrongdoing.

Statement from Eric Ferrero, Vice President at Planned Parenthood Federation of America

"The wheels of justice have only begun to roll. We don't expect this to be the last time these extremists are booked and fingerprinted. These people broke multiple federal laws and violated the law in at least four states, all in order to spread lies about Planned Parenthood.

"We're glad they're being held accountable, and we hope other law enforcement agencies pursue criminal charges, as well.

“Their defense just won't fly. They didn't document wrongdoing — they fabricated it. We don't know of any journalists who have engaged in wire fraud and mail fraud, lied to multiple government agencies, tampered with government documents, and broken laws in at least four states — only to lie about what they found. It's hard to imagine anyone calling that 'journalism.'"

Daleiden and his employee Sandra Merritt, who turned herself over to the authorities yesterday, face criminal charges for their elaborate, and unsuccessful, scheme to try to entrap Planned Parenthood officials.

Earlier this month, Planned Parenthood filed a federal lawsuit against Daleiden and a number of other anti-abortion extremists, alleging they had engaged in an elaborate, illegal conspiracy in order to block women’s access to safe and legal abortion.

Officials in twelve states (Nevada, Kansas, Florida, Ohio, Washington, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri and South Dakota) have concluded investigations into claims that Planned Parenthood profited from fetal tissue donation and each one has cleared Planned Parenthood of wrongdoing. Officials in eight states (California, Iowa, Delaware, Idaho, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Virginia, and Colorado) have declined to even investigate citing a lack of any evidence to suggest wrongdoing.

Members of the House of Representatives have also formally called on the Speaker to end all congressional investigations into Planned Parenthood, even raising serious privacy concerns about the current investigation.

Earlier this week, Planned Parenthood Executive Vice President Dawn Laguens penned an op-ed for USA Today, calling Daleiden’s indictment justice coming “full circle.”

“Center for Medical Progress head pursued single-minded, dishonest campaign that led to his own ruin…. Daleiden didn’t just lie, he broke the law to do so. It’s time for politicians across the country to stop giving him credibility and start treating him like what prosecutors say he is — a criminal.”

To read the full op-ed in USA Today, go here: http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2016/02/03/planned-parenthood-david-daleiden-dishonest-indictment-column/79467124/

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With over 650 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.