Grand Jury Indicts Leader Behind Planned Parenthood Videos
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AUSTIN (AP) — A grand jury investigating Planned Parenthood has indicted two anti-abortion activists who covertly shot videos of the organization.
Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson announced Monday that Center for Medical Progress founder David Daleiden was indicted on a felony charge of tampering with a governmental record and a misdemeanor count of related to purchasing human organs. Another activist was also indicted on a charge of tampering with a governmental record.
A news release announcing the indictment doesn't say what the record was.
Anderson said the grand jury cleared Planned Parenthood of any wrongdoing.
The Center for Medical Progress is the anti-abortion group that released covertly shot videos of Planned Parenthood officials discussing the sale of aborted fetuses for research.
A phone message left with the group wasn't immediately returned.
Governor Greg Abbott released a statement on the Planned Parenthood investigation in Harris County.
"The Health and Human Service Commission's Inspector General and the Attorney General's office have an ongoing investigation into Planned Parenthood's actions," said Governor Abbott. "Nothing about today's announcement in Harris County impacts the state's ongoing investigation. The State of Texas will continue to protect life, and I will continue to support legislation prohibiting the sale or transfer of fetal tissue."
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following statement on the Planned Parenthood investigation in Harris County:
"The fact remains that the videos exposed the horrific nature of abortion and the shameful disregard for human life of the abortion industry. The state's investigation of Planned Parenthood is ongoing."
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick released this statement:
"The horrific nature of these videos demand scrutiny and investigation. The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services will continue to examine the practices of abortion providers and whether state law adequately protects the sanctity of life.
"The recent anniversary of Roe v Wade decision is a solid reminder of the over 50 million innocent lives that have been lost to abortions.
"I will never be deterred from standing up to fight to protect the unborn."
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