Planned Parenthood has denied engaging in the sale of fetal tissue ever since the claims were first lobbed at their organization. Now, they might have to back up their denial with some proof.

During a July 19th hearing before a U.S. District Court in California, attorneys representing David Daleiden asked for the court to compel Planned Parenthood to provide evidence of their innocence. Specifically, they requested documented invoices displaying a lack of fetal tissue sale.

Daleiden is a pro-life journalist who was the project head for the Center for Medical Progress when it released videos exposing Planned Parenthood in 2015. These videos filmed conversations in which some of the organization’s executives discussed transactions involving aborted fetal tissue and body parts.

After the footage was released, the response was widespread and varied. Congressional investigations into Planned Parenthood were launched “in light of disturbing videos that emerged…detailing fetal tissue procurement among Planned Parenthood facilities and affiliates.”

Meanwhile, staunch abortion supporters vehemently condemned the videos as false. Daleiden himself also faced legal consequences, having court charges brought against him for not using his real identity when conversing with Planned Parenthood staff while filming.

In these latest court proceedings, Daleiden is battling Planned Parenthood after they sued him for releasing videos that the abortion giant claims are “misleading” and “broke the law.” He is represented by attorneys from the Thomas More Society, a not-for-profit law firm that is dedicated to fighting for life, family, and religious liberty.

Summarizing the case, Thomas More Society Special Counsel Peter Breen stated:

Planned Parenthood is suing Mr. Daleiden because they claim that his investigative videos ‘misled’ the public into thinking it ‘broke the law.’ Now they are being asked to prove their ludicrous accusations. Planned Parenthood can say whatever it wants in the media, but hard evidence is required in a court of law.

The abortion provider has argued against this point, claiming that such evidence has ‘zero bearing’ on the result of the lawsuit. Under federal law, it is a crime to “acquire, receive, or otherwise transfer any human fetal tissue for valuable consideration.”

Photo credit: American Life League via Flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0