A California judge dismissed the case against pro-life investigator David Daleiden over undercover videos he released over a decade ago, showing Planned Parenthood executives discussing the sale of aborted baby body parts.
Judge Brian Ferrall of the Superior Court of San Francisco approved the dismissal on Wednesday following an agreement between Daleiden and the state of California. The decision comes after state officials agreed last year to end the prosecution against Daleiden, but pro-abortion activists attempted to intervene and block the deal.
“As promised, the final charge has been DISMISSED and the case completely expunged — after a couple months’ administrative delay, and a truly bizarre last-minute ‘April Fool’s’ attempt by [Planned Parenthood] and [the National Abortion Federation] to overturn the State’s agreement,” Daleiden posted on X.
Court records show that groups like the Feminist Majority Foundation and the National Abortion Federation filed motions seeking to block the dismissal.
The case against Daleiden was launched in 2016 by then-California Attorney General Kamala Harris, who would go on to become vice president during the Biden administration. It was over the videos released in 2015 by the Center for Medical Progress, a pro-life organization founded by Daleiden. The recordings showed Planned Parenthood officials discussing the sale of fetal tissue and organs.
After the footage was released, California authorities raided Daleiden’s home and seized materials, claiming the videos were illegally recorded. The legal battle has stretched on for nearly a decade.
In January 2025, the Center for Medical Progress said California prosecutors had agreed to end the case against Daleiden and fellow investigator Sandra Merritt.
“The agreement — a negotiated settlement with zero punishment — is in exchange for a new ‘no contest’ plea by Daleiden and Merritt on a single video recording charge. It involves no jail time, no fines, no admission of wrongdoing, and no probation,” the Center for Medical Progress said at the time.
According to the group, the no-contest plea would be entered as a misdemeanor and later converted to a not guilty plea before being dismissed and expunged.
The dismissal drew praise from Daleiden’s supporters, including Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the Justice Department, Harmeet Dhillon, who had previously represented him.
“Praise God! One of my favorite clients of all 33+ years of law practice in service to advancing liberty!!” Dhillon said.
Live Action President Lila Rose also celebrated the outcome, saying, “After a decade of California bureaucrats attempting to prosecute, bankrupt and imprison [Daleiden] for his courageous and groundbreaking pro-life reporting, they have officially FAILED.”
“David beat Goliath, and he’s only getting started,” she added.
