A Texas grand jury has indicted the man who exposed Planned Parenthood's abhorrent practice of selling aborted baby body parts - but the abortion giant itself faces no charges.
The Harris County District Attorney's office announced on Monday that the jury had formally charged David Daleiden (pictured), who went undercover to film evidence of the negotiation over foetal tissue sale, for his involvement in the purchase of the parts.
Yet, despite footage demonstrating that the abortion facility has been illegally profiteering from the sale of foetal tissue, no charges were brought against the Gulf Coast branch of Planned Parenthood.
Evidence of illicit profiteering
The series of videos was released by the Center of Medical Progress over the course of several months last year.
In the latest video, released earlier this month, the producers compiled previous footage to highlight Planned Parenthood's illicit profiteering. One staff member was filmed saying she wanted to buy "a Lamborghini" with the profits.
In response to the footage released, the US House of Representatives, as well as the Senate, passed a bill to defund Planned Parenthood for one year.
Sadly, President Obama vetoed the bill earlier this month.
According to a press release from the district attorney’s office, Mr Daleiden has been charged with the purchase and sale of human organs and with tampering with a governmental record. Mr Daleiden’s associate Sandra Merritt was also indicted for tampering with a governmental record.
If Mr Daleiden is convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Planned Parenthood board member on prosecution
Adding to the controversy surrounding the grand jury's decision, it has emerged that one of the prosecutors who works at the district attorney's office is also a Planned Parenthood board member.
According to pro-life group Operation Rescue, Lauren Reeder, who serves as a prosecutor for the district attorney’s family criminal law division, is also listed on the Board of Directors for Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast.
'Buying foetal tissue requires a seller as well'
A statement released by Mr Daleiden said:
"The Center for Medical Progress uses the same undercover techniques that investigative journalists have used for decades in exercising our First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and of the press, and follows all applicable laws.
"We respect the processes of the Harris County District Attorney, and note that buying fetal tissue requires a seller as well. Planned Parenthood still cannot deny the admissions from their leadership about fetal organ sales captured on video for all the world to see."
'Adding to the injustice'
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said that, despite this outcome, the investigation into Planned Parenthood will continue.
"The State of Texas will continue to protect life, and I will continue to support legislation prohibiting the sale or transfer of fetal tissue," Mr Abbott said in a statement.
Chief Executive of Christian Concern Andrea Williams said that justice has not been done:
"Charging the man who sought to expose this deplorable practice for buying foetal tissue is a clear admission that Planned Parenthood is guilty of selling it.
Yet, despite this evidence captured on film, the Planned Parenthood staff involved walk free.
"Rather than an objective decision giving proper weight to the evidence, the outcome was politically motivated. Justice has not been done here."
Related News:
New video: Sale of 'fresh' baby body parts
European scrutiny of Planned Parenthood
Related Coverage:
Houston Grand Jury Indicts David Daleiden For Organ Trafficking, Issues No Charges Against Planned Parenthood (The Federalist)
Grand Jury Ignores Planned Parenthood Selling Aborted Babies, Indicts Man Behind Videos Instead (LifeNews)