Pro-Life Legal Battle Continues In New York Over Centers
New York Attorney General Letitia James has faced a significant setback in her efforts to shut down pro-life pregnancy centers. James, who is using her authority to censor these centers for promoting the option of using progesterone for abortion pill reversal, is now embroiled in multiple lawsuits.
Progesterone, a naturally occurring hormone, is utilized to counteract the effects of abortion drugs. Despite its established safety and efficacy, James has targeted 11 faith-based pro-life pregnancy centers and their network, alleging they spread “false and misleading” information about progesterone treatments. This lawsuit aims to punish the centers for providing a service that offers women the option to change their minds about abortion and attempt to save their babies’ lives.
However, attorneys from the Thomas More Society have countered by challenging James’ attempt to shift litigation involving these pregnancy help organizations from upstate New York to Manhattan. On May 24, 2024, New York Supreme Court Justice Sam Valleriani issued an order consolidating the lawsuits into a single case to be heard in Rochester’s Monroe County Court, rejecting James’ attempt to move the case to New York County Court in Manhattan.
Peter Breen, Executive Vice President & Head of Litigation at the Thomas More Society, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. “For the past month, Letitia James has tried to illegally frighten and harass New York’s pregnancy help organizations into silence, threatening them with lawsuits if they keep speaking their truthful message about Abortion Pill Reversal,” Breen said. He noted that the organizations are headquartered and operate near Rochester, making it the most fair and convenient venue. Breen emphasized the importance of defending these organizations’ rights to inform women about the safe and effective option of Abortion Pill Reversal.
The Thomas More Society initially filed suit on April 30, 2024, on behalf of Heartbeat International and other New York pregnancy help organizations. In response, James filed her lawsuit against the same organizations in Manhattan on May 6, 2024, despite none of the organizations being based there.
In addition to the Thomas More Society, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) attorneys are representing the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates, Gianna’s House, and Options Care Center. These pro-life centers aim to inform women who have taken the first abortion drug that it might be possible to reverse its effects if they act quickly. ADF Legal Counsel Gabriella McIntyre highlighted the critical nature of this information, stating, “Many women regret their abortions and some seek to stop the effects of chemical abortion drugs before taking the second drug in the abortion drug process. Taking supplemental progesterone at that time can often save their baby’s life.”
The lawsuits argue that James’ actions infringe on the centers’ First Amendment rights to free speech and religious practice. McIntyre stressed that women deserve the option to reconsider their abortion decision and that the centers should be allowed to provide truthful information about progesterone treatment.
Studies support the use of progesterone as a means to sustain pregnancies, with a history of preventing miscarriage and preterm labor. Abortion pill reversal, facilitated by progesterone, has reportedly saved over 5,000 unborn lives, boasting a success rate between 64-68%. Despite this, James continues to target these centers due to their pro-life stance and the information they share.
As these legal battles unfold, the pro-life pregnancy centers, backed by their legal representatives, are determined to uphold their right to provide women with all available options, ensuring that those who wish to reverse their abortion have access to potentially life-saving information.