Planned Parenthood has stepped up its political influence. More than merely purchasing politicians, the organization buys laws to protect itself.

Since the election in November, there have been numerous accusations of political operatives working in collusion with nefarious entities in D.C. There have been calls in the media for members to step down or recuse themselves because of conflicts of interest.

However in a developing story, when provable partnerships between politicians and the nation’s foremost abortion provider exist, the same media displays no interest in connecting the dots — even when the line can be drawn between two lone spots.

In California, charges have been brought against video activists David Daleiden and Sandra Merritt. They are the videographers from the Center for Medical Progress who made the series of videos which captured various Planned Parenthood executives admitting to federal violations and engaging in negotiations to sell body parts from aborted babies.

Despite the video evidence showing blatant disregard of federal laws, State Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced that rather than investigations into the organization he would bring 15 felony charges against Daleiden and Merritt surrounding California privacy laws. That the California AG would chase these specious charges (the pair had similar charges in Texas thrown out by a judge) rather than the target of the video expose’ should come as little shock, once the money trail is followed.

Planned Parenthood and other pro-abortion groups, as well as individual officers, have made political donations to not just Becerra but also to his predecessor, current U.S. Senator Kamala Harris. More than political influence, these donations have led to partnerships in the crafting of legislation that would benefit — in fact, protect — Planned Parenthood from investigations into criminal activities.

Before becoming the current AG Becerra was a state representative and over years received thousands in donations from PPFA. His predecessor, Harris, was involved with the group at a level far deeper and involving far more funding. The press and journalists providing blanket coverage of the arrests do not feel compelled by objectivity to include these donations in their reports, to say nothing of their saying nothing in regards to conflicts of interest, or calls for recusal.

Last year Harris took in just under $40,000 in direct donations from pro-abort groups. While serving as Attorney General she worked directly with PPFA in her state, lobbying on its behalf and appearing at fundraising functions as a guest speaker. She also took that relationship to an altogether higher level following the release of the CMP videos.

Last September it was revealed that, while still AG, Harris’ office worked directly with PPFA lawyers in the crafting of new legislation that would, in fact, protect Planned Parenthood from future video investigations of this kind.

The Washington Times obtained emails, beginning in March 2016, that showed that PP lawyers were working directly with the California AG’s Office to draft language for the law.

The emails show Beth Parker, chief legal counsel for Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, sending multiple drafts of AB 1671 to Jill Habig, who was at the time special counsel to the attorney general. “Attached is the language for AB 1671, proposed amendments to Penal Code section 632,” Ms. Parker wrote in an email marked March 8. “I look forward to your thoughts about this.” Ms. Parker sent a revised draft of the legislation to Ms. Habig on March 16. “Here’s the rewrite of the video tape bill,” she wrote. “Let me know what you think.”

Along with this partnering in writing new law, Harris obtained a warrant for officials to enter Daleiden’s apartment and seize numerous pieces of technology in connection with his videos. The timeline shows just how deep Kamala Harris’ connection with Planned Parenthood was.

The collaborative emails between the AG Office and the abortion provider were dated from March 8, through April 14. The raid on Deleiden’s home took place during this drafting of legislative language, on April 5.

This illustrates the level PPFA blood money holds influence on legislation. While receiving hundreds of millions in taxpayer money – and claiming it is needed to operate clinics for the disadvantaged – the organization funnels political payouts, almost exclusively to Democrat candidates.

As California is showing, that investment gets the organization more than simply buying votes. When found to be in stark violation of federal laws they can build a legislative shield with help of the lawmakers they have purchased — with our tax dollars.