In July, the Center for Medical Progress (CMP) released the first of several videos purporting to show Planned Parenthood representatives profiting from fetal tissue. The New York Times says that these specimens—which are obtained with the donor’s consent—have a unique value for research and that it is legal to charge for processing and handling, although laws do not specify what fees are allowable.

The Nation discovered that one of CMP’s three founding officers is Troy Newman, president of the extremist antiabortion group Operation Rescue, which is known for its harassment of the late Dr. George Tiller.

Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, chair of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), released a statement asking Congress to rededicate Planned Parent-hood funds to facilities that do not provide abortion. “The most recent revelations about Planned Parenthood’s willingness to traffic in fetal tissue from abortions … [are] the latest demonstration of a callous-ness toward women and their unborn children that is shocking to many Americans,” read a copy of the letter on the USCCB website. O’Malley expressed a preference for funds being redirected to Catholic facilities instead: “Catholic charitable agencies and pregnancy help centers have helped countless pregnant women find life-affirming alternatives to abortion. Our hospitals and other health facilities are second to none in providing quality health care for women.”

In late September, Catholics for Choice sponsored a full-page advertisement in the Washington Post. The ad was signed by more than 60 Catholic state leaders and legislators from 25 states who support continuing federal funding for Planned Parenthood.

By this time the tide was turning, with the Missouri attorney general deciding that Planned Parenthood had engaged in no wrongdoing related to donated fetal tissue, the Kansas City Star reported. Investigations in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Indiana, South Dakota and Massachusetts also decided in Planned Parenthood’s favor. Catholics will continue to stand with Planned Parenthood.