In a triumph for pro-life advocates and a setback for New York’s Attorney General, Letitia James, a federal judge has dismissed a contempt motion against Bernadette Patel, a dedicated pro-life activist. Despite James’s persistent endeavors to target pro-life Americans, her latest attempt has been thwarted.
James, whose focus has remained heavily on legal pursuits against President Donald Trump and punishing pro-life supporters, found her efforts thwarted as President Trump reclaims his seat in the White House, and Patel scores a victory in court.
The case centered on the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act), which James has repeatedly wielded against peaceful pro-life activists. However, Judge Kenneth Karas saw fit to dismiss her motion, delivering a decisive blow to her agenda.
According to LifeSiteNews, James had previously secured an injunction against Red Rose Rescue, a group dedicated to peaceful, non-violent outreach. Volunteers from this group enter abortion facilities, offering roses and alternatives to abortion.
Red Rose Rescuers peacefully talk to women scheduled for abortion, with the goal of persuading them to choose life. They offer to them red roses as a sign of life, peace and love. Should the unborn still “totter to execution” Red Rose Rescuers stay in the place of execution in solidarity with their abandoned brothers and sisters performing a non-violent act of defense through their continued presence inside the killing centers remaining with them for as long as they can.
The Red Rose Rescuers demonstrate unwavering commitment by staying with the unborn, asserting their right to be defended as members of the human family. The group refuses to leave the unwanted, thus necessitating their removal.
The injunction, which barred Red Rose Rescue members from approaching within 15 feet of abortion facilities, was used by James to file contempt charges against Patel. However, Judge Karas’s decision to dismiss this motion marks a significant legal victory for pro-life advocates.
Christopher Ferrara, Senior Counsel for the Thomas More Society, expressed satisfaction with the ruling. He noted, “We are very pleased with the Court’s thorough and well-reasoned opinion, denying Letitia James’ attempt to further silence our pro-life clients.”
Ferrara emphasized that the defense’s evidence, including bodycam footage, clearly debunked the AG’s claims of misconduct, proving them false.
The January 7 and January 15, 2025 Proffer Letters, provided by Thomas More Society attorneys in defense of Red Rose Rescue, can be accessed here.
James, consistent in her crusade against pro-life entities, had previously aimed to intimidate pro-life pregnancy centers by threatening legal action over alleged misinformation regarding ‘abortion pill reversal’ (APR) protocols, as reported in May 2024. More about this can be found here.
