Supreme Court to review New Jersey AG’s subpoena to anti-abortion clinics 
Share this @internewscast.com


The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to review New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin’s (D) subpoena seeking donor records from a network of anti-abortion clinics. 

In a brief order, the justices said they will examine whether First Choice Women’s Resource Centers can mount a First Amendment challenge in federal court. 

Lower judges ruled the group’s free speech claim was not ripe because it could be brought in state court instead, but First Choice warned that holding would create a “Catch-22” that prevents a federal judge from ever reviewing the subpoena’s constitutionality. 

“For a century and a half, Congress has provided the targets of a state official’s malfeasance with a federal forum in which to raise their constitutional claims,” the group wrote in its petition. “Yet the Third and Fifth Circuits have eliminated that forum for the targets of state investigative demands.” 

Platkin’s office issued the subpoena as it investigates whether First Choice is violating New Jersey’s consumer fraud and other state laws by misleading donors and potential clients about what health services it provides. 

First Choice has accused Platkin of showing “hostility” against its anti-abortion stance, calling it an “invasive” subpoena that would chill donors’ willingness to support the clinics. 

A state court issued an order enforcing the subpoena but did not resolve the group’s First Amendment claims. No documents have been turned over yet, as Platkin agreed to put the proceedings on pause until the Supreme Court resolves whether the group can bring its free speech claims before a federal judge. 

The case is expected to be argued during the high court’s next annual term, which begins in October. 

First Choice is represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian legal group that regularly notches Supreme Court victories on cases related to religion, LGBTQ issues and abortion. 

It cautioned that the legal claims at issue often become moot before a case reaches the Supreme Court, stressing its challenge is a rare vehicle that properly tees up the question for the justices’ consideration. 

“This case may be the unicorn that allows this Court to review an important issue that would otherwise escape review,” the group wrote. 

Platkin’s office urged the Supreme Court to let the lower ruling stand, saying it applied “long-established principles” and did not meet any of the strict criteria the justices consider when determining which cases to take up. 

“The Third Circuit specifically considered Petitioner’s allegations and record evidence, along with the unique procedural posture, and held that Petitioner had not sufficiently presented any chill to its constitutional rights stemming from the subpoena,” Platkin’s office wrote in court filings. 

First Choice’s request for the court to take up the issue was backed by Americans for Prosperity Foundation, anti-abortion groups, religious organizations and Advancing American Freedom, the political group founded by former Vice President Pence. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Bush, Obama, and Bono Say Goodbye to USAID, Calling It a ‘Huge Error’

Former Presidents Obama and George W. Bush, along with U2’s Bono, are…

Reduced School Weeks? Research Indicates 4-Day Schedules Might Not Benefit All Students

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Amid a growing trend of four-day school weeks,…

Florida GOP Launches ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Merchandise Ahead of Trump’s Visit

(The Hill) — The Florida Republican Party was selling merchandise touting the…

Trump’s Proposed Budget Bill Could Slash Billions from Senior Programs

SAVANNAH, Ga. () – Almost $500 billion in automatic cuts to Medicare…

Newsom Approves Major Reductions to California’s Environmental Review Regulations

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Monday signed legislation paring down the…

Washington County, TN School Board Restores Employee Raises in Budget Session

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Washington County, Tennessee Board of Education (BOE)…

Proposed Bill in South Carolina Could Alter Teacher Grading Practices: Here’s What You Need to Know

Some educators in South Carolina claim they are being directed to assign…

The Liberal Majority of the Wisconsin Supreme Court Overturns 176-Year-Old Abortion Ban

MADISON, Wis. (AP) The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s liberal majority struck down the…

Ethan Chapin’s Family to Attend Court for Kohberger’s Plea Deal Hearing

() The family of Ethan Chapin will be appearing in court on…

Valuable Gear Stolen from Kansas City Youth Sports Organization

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –Thieves stole thousands of dollars worth of equipment from…

Savannah Tech Introduces High School Diploma Program for Adult Students

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Savannah Technical College has earned approval to award…

Savannah Mayor Blocks Rezoning Plan for Highlands Community

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — For the first time in 30 years, a…