Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s legal victory securing nearly $13.8 million in attorney fees has been affirmed by the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The decision marks a significant step in the organization’s long-standing legal confrontation with the Center for Medical Progress. This anti-abortion organization, led by activist David Daleiden, had clandestinely recorded videos of Planned Parenthood employees. The recordings, made public in 2015, purportedly implicated the organization in illicit activities related to fetal tissue sales.
The Appeals Court panel, consisting of three judges, concluded that the fee award was reasonable and not disproportionate. Their statement came as part of a brief, nonprecedential opinion which upheld the previous jury findings. In earlier proceedings, the jury determined that the Center for Medical Progress violated both the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and committed acts of fraud against Planned Parenthood.
Planned Parenthood’s litigation against Daleiden’s organization has spanned several years, underscoring the intensity of disputes surrounding the methods used by anti-abortion advocates. The court’s support for the fee award reflects the gravity of the legal breaches recognized in this case.
For more detailed information, please refer to the original article on Bloomberg Law here.