New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a legal victory against Red Rose Rescue, an anti-abortion group found to have violated state and federal laws by disrupting reproductive health care clinics. A judge ruled that the group's actions constituted unlawful obstruction rather than peaceful protest.
"This is a monumental victory for the rule of law, for reproductive freedom, and for every patient who has been harassed, intimidated, or blocked from accessing the health care they need," said Attorney General James. The court determined that Red Rose Rescue's members obstructed clinic access by trespassing and refusing to leave, leading to police intervention. These actions were in violation of the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and New York Clinic Access Act.
Attorney General James initially sued Red Rose Rescue in June 2023. U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth M. Karas granted summary judgment in favor of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), finding that the group employed a coordinated strategy to invade clinics and block entrances.
"Abortion is health care, and every person has the right to make their own reproductive choices without fear or interference," continued James. She emphasized New York's commitment as a safe haven for reproductive care.
The case was managed by Senior Counsel Sandra Pullman, Assistant Attorneys General Zoe Ridolfi-Starr, Julia Toce, Heather McKay, Research Analyst Joseph Flores under Civil Rights Bureau Chief Sandra Park's supervision with additional assistance from other divisions within the Attorney General's office.
Further proceedings will determine appropriate remedies for Red Rose Rescue’s conduct.