California to Make Distribution of Planned Parenthood Secret Recordings Illegal

California has passed a law that makes it illegal to distribute secretly-recorded healthcare conversations. The law will go into effect in 2017.

The high profile case of the undercover Planned Parenthood videos, recorded and released by David Daleiden and his associates at the Center for Medical Progress, sparked the discussion of the new bill.

California’s Gov. Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 1671 after provisions were added that release journalists from being responsible for distributing recordings they received but did not take part in making.

Planned Parenthood sponsored the bill, arguing that such a law is necessary due to a case they claimed defamed their organization, although they were ultimately acquitted of all charges.

Daleiden, who also was indicted but later acquitted for his part in making and releasing the undercover videos which allegedly showed Planned Parenthood officials negotiating the sale of fetal body parts, stated that he and his associates did not break any laws.

"California's existing recording law and the new distribution provision are simply inapplicable to our work," he said.

Kathy Kneer, president of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, championed the new bill, stating, "Gov. Brown sent a clear message to anti-abortion extremists that you cannot break the law in California or you will be held accountable.”

Photo courtesy: flickr.com

Publication date: October 6, 2016