Planned Parenthood president testifies before Congress; supporters, opponents rally in LA

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The president of Planned Parenthood testified before Congress on Tuesday. It's her first appearance since the release of videos that show Planned Parenthood employees discussing the use of fetal tissue for research.

Cecile Richards told lawmakers that her group has fallen victim to a smear campaign.

Conservatives say the videos, made by abortion opponents posing as private purchasers of fetal organs, show the organization has broken federal laws.

Planned Parenthood says it's acted legally and says the videos were deceitfully edited.

Clapping and chanting, and wearing bright pink, a group of Planned Parenthood supporters held a rally on the steps of Los Angeles City Hall on Tuesday to show solidarity to Richards.

Across the street from City Hall, opponents also made their point heard.

Eyewitness News reporter Coleen Sullivan has more on the hearing and the response from Southern Californians.