This week, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction against New York Attorney General Letitia James, preventing her from taking legal action against pregnancy centers that promote abortion pill reversal. The injunction was issued on the basis that such action would infringe upon the centers’ constitutionally protected right to free speech.
The decision was made in response to a lawsuit filed by the Thomas More Society, representing two pro-life organizations: Summit Life Outreach Center and the Evergreen Association. The lawsuit claims that AG James had unfairly targeted these pregnancy centers, threatening legal repercussions for distributing information about abortion pill reversal. James has publicly stated her opposition to this practice, arguing that it is unproven.
Peter Breen, the executive vice president and head of litigation for the Thomas More Society, emphasized the importance of protecting the free speech rights of these nonprofits. “These small organizations, dedicated to compassionately helping women and offering alternatives to abortion, deserve to have their voices amplified, not suppressed,” Breen stated in an interview with TV5s News Digital. He added, “This court ruling sends a clear message: Ms. James cannot silence pro-life speech simply because she disagrees with it
This week, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction against New York Attorney General Letitia James, preventing her from taking legal action against pregnancy centers that promote abortion pill reversal. The injunction was issued on the basis that such action would infringe upon the centers’ constitutionally protected right to free speech.
The decision was made in response to a lawsuit filed by the Thomas More Society, representing two pro-life organizations: Summit Life Outreach Center and the Evergreen Association. The lawsuit claims that AG James had unfairly targeted these pregnancy centers, threatening legal repercussions for distributing information about abortion pill reversal. James has publicly stated her opposition to this practice, arguing that it is unproven.
Peter Breen, the executive vice president and head of litigation for the Thomas More Society, emphasized the importance of protecting the free speech rights of these nonprofits. “These small organizations, dedicated to compassionately helping women and offering alternatives to abortion, deserve to have their voices amplified, not suppressed,” Breen stated in an interview with TV5s News Digital. He added, “This court ruling sends a clear message: Ms. James cannot silence pro-life speech simply because she disagrees with it
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In his ruling, Judge John Sinatra Jr., appointed by former President Trump, issued an order prohibiting New York Attorney General Letitia James from taking any action to stop pregnancy clinics from promoting abortion pill reversal on their websites and social media platforms. This decision protects the centers’ ability to share information on this controversial method without legal interference.
Medicinal abortions typically involve a two-step process: first, the drug mifepristone is taken, followed by misoprostol a few days later to complete the procedure. However, some pregnancy clinics advocate for an alternative for women who change their minds after taking the first drug. These clinics advise discontinuing the use of misoprostol and instead suggest administering doses of progesterone to potentially reverse the effects of the abortion and allow the pregnancy to continue.
Earlier, in May, AG James had taken legal action against 11 pregnancy centers that were promoting this abortion pill reversal method. She accused the clinics of engaging in fraud, deceptive business practices, and false advertising. James argued that the groups were “spreading dangerous misinformation” by promoting a procedure that lacked legitimate medical and scientific backing.
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Although Summit Life Outreach Center and the Evergreen Association were not directly named in Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit, they expressed concern that her actions against other pregnancy centers had placed their own operations at risk. Barbara Bidak, the executive director of Summit Life Outreach Center, emphasized the dedication of her team, stating that they “work tirelessly to provide life-affirming options for women in need.”
Bidak expressed relief and satisfaction with the recent federal court decision. “We’re incredibly pleased that a federal judge has now clarified that Attorney General Letitia James’ legal assaults on pro-life ministries in our state are unconstitutional, as they infringe upon our First Amendment right to share the lifesaving message of Abortion Pill Reversal. This option offers pregnant women, even in the middle of a chemical abortion, a second chance to choose life.”
Peter Breen, representing the Thomas More Society, reiterated that pro-life ministries have a constitutionally protected right to disseminate information about abortion pill reversal. He added, “Their message is not only lawful but is also responsible for saving thousands of lives.”
In a separate case, the Thomas More Society is also representing 11 pregnancy centers facing legal action from AG James. Last month, a federal judge in that case ruled that these clinics were protected under the First Amendment. In the ruling, the judge wrote, “After a thorough consideration of the factors for issuing a preliminary injunction, particularly those related to the Plaintiffs’ First Amendment Free Speech claim, the motion for a preliminary injunction is granted.”
