New York’s Democratic Attorney General Letitia James just got some bad legal news.
Several pro-life pregnancy centers and a nonprofit organization are accusing James of unconstitutionally trying to censor their speech about using progesterone to potentially reverse the effects of the abortion pill — and they’re taking her to court.
In a federal lawsuit filed Tuesday, the groups allege James is abusing her authority in an attempt to stop them from discussing the “abortion reversal pill” protocol with women seeking pregnancy services and information.
“The Attorney General knows full well that the contested statements about progesterone treatment are supported by research but has targeted centers that tell women about this option because of the centers’ pro-life viewpoint and the content of their speech,” the lawsuit states.
The lawsuit comes after James filed her own suit in May against 11 crisis pregnancy centers in New York, alleging they spread “misleading” information to pregnant women about using progesterone as a way to potentially halt the effects of the two-drug chemical abortion regimen after taking the first mifepristone pill.
James claimed the centers lacked “scientific proof” that progesterone could safely reverse abortion pills and demanded they remove such information from materials and services.
However, the pro-life groups suing James argue that multiple studies have in fact demonstrated the protocol’s effectiveness and safety when progesterone is administered soon after taking mifepristone, with success rates around 65% for avoiding complete abortions.
“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,” said Gabriella McIntyre of Alliance Defending Freedom, which is representing the plaintiffs.
The groups accused of deceptive practices by James include the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates along with two New York crisis pregnancy centers – Gianna’s House and Options Care Center.
They allege James is trampling their First Amendment rights by trying to stop them from even discussing the legal, FDA-approved use of progesterone for preventing miscarriages as an option for women who may be reconsidering medication abortions after the initial drug.
“Women should have the option to reconsider going through with an abortion, and the pro-life pregnancy centers we represent in this case truthfully inform them about that choice,” McIntyre stated.
“We are urging the court to affirm the pregnancy centers’ freedom to tell interested women about this lawful, life-saving treatment.”
The lawsuit marks an escalating legal battle between the pro-choice Democratic AG’s office and pro-life activists.
Pro-life advocates say James is violating constitutional free speech protections in her zeal to promote abortions across the state.