Judge rules against New York AG’s attempt to get pro-lifers charged with contempt

On Monday, a judge denied a motion filed by New York Attorney General (AG) Letitia James against pro-life activist group Red Rose Rescue, ruling that the organization did not violate the court-ordered buffer zone around a Manhattan Planned Parenthood facility.

James’ office had accused Red Rose Rescue of violating a previous court order and asked the court to find the organization in contempt. The AG claimed that pro-life activist Bernadette Patel, who is associated with the group, “accosted patients” on four occasions and “blatantly defied” a preliminary injunction that James’ office filed in December of 2023 preventing pro-lifers from coming within 15 feet of abortion facilities in Southern and Eastern Districts of New York “with the intent” to engage in force, threat of force, or physical obstruction in violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.

U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas ruled against James after Red Rose Rescue attorneys from the Thomas More Society used body cam footage and other evidence to disprove the allegations.

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“The court’s injunction … did not prohibit First Amendment-protected activity such as sidewalk counseling,” said Thomas More Society in a press release.

“We are very pleased with the Court’s thorough and well-reasoned opinion, denying Letitia James’ attempt to further silence pro-life clients,” said Thomas More Society Senior Counsel Christopher Ferrara. “The evidence we provided in defense of Red Rose Rescue clearly demonstrated that there was no violation of the injunction, including the bodycam footage showing that every claim of misconduct made by the AG’s two partisan witnesses was demonstrably false.”

James has a history of targeting pro-lifers, previously calling them “bigoted zealots” with a “mission to terrorize reproductive health care providers.” Red Rose Rescue uses non-violent protest tactics to attempt to save women and their babies from abortion, including lying down in front of gates, chaining themselves to chairs, and handing women roses that have pro-life information attached regarding where women can receive life-affirming resources and support.