A liberal federal judge barely salvaged First Amendment rights in a complicated decision involving secret videotapes, alleged racketeering, and the involvement of Planned Parenthood officials in the trade of body parts secured through abortions.

Many in the pro-life movement are understandably upset that District Judge William Orrick III of California assessed more than $1.5 million in damage payments against several pro-life activists who did an undercover video sting operation against Planned Parenthood. Orrick issued his decision on April 29, but the news received less coverage than one might have expected.