The Center for Medical Progress

Overview

The Center for Medical Progress (CMP) is an American anti-abortion organization founded by David Daleiden on March 7, 2013[1][4]. It is classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization[2]. Initially, CMP presented itself as an organization focused on educating about advances in regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies, but it is known for its undercover operations related to medical ethics and anti-abortion advocacy[1][5].

Activities and Controversies

Undercover Videos Controversy

CMP gained national attention for its role in creating and distributing edited videos that sparked controversy over Planned Parenthood's handling of fetal tissue. The organization set up a fake biomedical research company called Biomax Procurement Services to secretly record Planned Parenthood officials. The edited videos suggested that Planned Parenthood was profiting from the sale of fetal tissue, but the full unedited versions indicated that they only sought to cover costs without making a profit[1][4].

Legal Issues

Following the release of these videos, CMP faced legal challenges. A grand jury in Texas initially indicted CMP's David Daleiden and another employee for tampering with government records and attempting to purchase human organs. These charges were eventually dropped[1][4]. However, in California, Daleiden and another CMP member were charged with multiple felonies for secretly recording people without consent[1]. Planned Parenthood also sued CMP for fraud and invasion of privacy, asserting that the videos were deceptively edited[1].

Financials

CMP relies heavily on donations, with contributions making up nearly all of its revenue. As of its latest filing, CMP reported no income from program services or investments[2]. The organization has reported liabilities exceeding its assets, indicating a significant financial gap[2].

Mission and Activities

CMP describes itself as a group of citizen journalists dedicated to reporting on medical ethics issues. They focus on bioethical concerns that impact human dignity, opposing practices that exploit vulnerable groups[3]. Despite its early misleading descriptions of its mission to the IRS and the public, CMP is actively involved in anti-abortion advocacy and has been featured in major media outlets for its efforts[1][3][5].