In a significant legal challenge, the First Choice Women’s Resource Centers, a pro-life Christian ministry, has filed a lawsuit against New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, aiming to derail what they describe as an ‘unjustified’ investigation. This move comes as a direct response to a subpoena issued by Platkin as part of his consumer fraud probe, which First Choice asserts unfairly targets them based on their religious speech and pro-life views.
Lincoln Wilson, Senior Counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), has publicly condemned the Attorney General’s actions, stating, “It’s unlawful for New Jersey’s attorney general to use the authority of his office to harm those with whom he disagrees.” This sentiment underscores the growing tension between pro-life organizations and state authorities in the evolving landscape of abortion rights and religious freedoms.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for New Jersey, Trenton Vicinage, follows a similar legal action taken by ADF attorneys on behalf of a chain of pro-life clinics in Washington. They are challenging an investigation led by Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, another abortion-rights supporter.
Pro-life pregnancy center sues to derail New Jersey AG’s ‘unjustified’ investigation https://t.co/l3Wg81sC7o
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) December 18, 2023
Both state attorneys general have intensified their focus on pro-life pregnancy centers in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson, which overturned Roe v. Wade. Established in 1985, First Choice is a non-profit Christian organization with five offices. They have called for an injunction against the attorney general’s subpoena, which they argue is overbroad and includes demands for documents dating back 10 years.
The subpoena seeks information on various aspects of First Choice’s operations, including their handling of patient data, statements about the practice of Abortion Pill Reversal, and the identities of their donors. First Choice fears that complying with these demands could lead to a decrease in donations due to potential public exposure and retaliation.
First Choice maintains that it operates within the bounds of New Jersey law and that the subpoena represents an unnecessary and intrusive investigation driven by Platkin’s strong pro-abortion stance. They argue that this action reflects a bias against organizations that seek to protect pregnant women and unborn children from abortion.
On the other hand, the New Jersey attorney general’s office has defended its actions. A spokesperson stated that their subpoena does not violate rights and is grounded in the state’s longstanding laws governing non-profits. They emphasize that non-profits in New Jersey cannot engage in deceptive practices regarding their work.
Adding to the controversy, the state Division of Consumer Affairs issued an alert in December 2022 about “crisis pregnancy centers,” cautioning that they may provide misleading information about abortion. This alert, which sought input from Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union, included contact information for Planned Parenthood and the National Abortion Federation, further fueling the dispute.
First Choice offers various free services, including limited obstetric ultrasounds, pregnancy testing, sexually transmitted disease testing, parent education, and the provision of necessities like diapers and maternity clothes. They do not perform or refer for abortions, a fact clearly stated on their websites and in client welcome forms.
However, they do provide medically accurate information about abortion procedures and risks. This legal battle represents a broader conflict between pro-life organizations and state authorities, highlighting the complexities and sensitive nature of the abortion debate, especially in a post-Roe v. Wade era.
It raises critical questions about the extent of state power, the protection of religious and free speech rights, and the transparency requirements for non-profit organizations involved in sensitive areas such as reproductive health. As the case progresses, it will likely draw significant attention and potentially set precedents for how similar disputes are handled in the future.
Read More: New Jersey Senate Committee Allows $2,000 Tax Deduction for Volunteer First Responders!
Texas Governor Signs Bill to Allow Police to Arrest Immigrants who entered the US illegally!
Texas Governor Strictly Regulates Immigration to Deport and Arrest Migrants!