New York Attorney General Letitia James has secured a major legal victory for abortion access and reproductive rights. On March 21, 2025, a federal judge ruled that Red Rose Rescue, an anti-abortion extremist group, repeatedly violated state and federal laws by invading clinics, obstructing access, and interfering with abortion care across New York.
Court Confirms Red Rose Rescue Broke Abortion Access Laws
U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth M. Karas granted the Office of the Attorney General’s motion for summary judgment, finding that Red Rose Rescue engaged in coordinated, unlawful efforts to block patients from accessing reproductive health clinics.
According to the ruling, Red Rose Rescue members:
- Trespassed into clinics
- Refused to leave clinic property
- Physically blocked entrances
- Used arrests as a tactic to disrupt abortion care
These actions, the court found, violated both the federal FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances) and the New York State Clinic Access Act, which protect the rights of patients and providers to access and deliver abortion and reproductive care without harassment or obstruction.
A Victory for Abortion Rights and Rule of Law
“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 Letitia James.
James emphasized that abortion is health care and that New York will continue to defend it vigorously. Her office sued Red Rose Rescue in 2023 following a pattern of invasions that endangered patients and clinic staff.
What the Law Protects
The FACE Act and the NY Clinic Access Act make it illegal to:
- Use force or threats of force to interfere with reproductive health services
- Physically obstruct access to clinics
- Harass or intimidate patients and providers
These laws apply both inside and outside reproductive care facilities, ensuring full protection for those seeking or providing abortions.
Next Steps: Remedies to Be Determined
While the court has ruled in favor of the state, further proceedings will determine the remedies or penalties Red Rose Rescue will face for its repeated violations. The judgment sends a strong message: illegal attempts to block abortion access will not be tolerated in New York.
How to Report Violations
New Yorkers who witness or experience violations of clinic access laws can report them to the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Bureau by:
- Calling 800-771-7755
- Emailing [email protected]
- Filing a complaint online
New York’s Continued Commitment to Abortion Access
Attorney General James reaffirmed that New York remains a safe haven for abortion access, and her office will continue using every legal tool to protect reproductive rights.
“Those who threaten New Yorkers’ most basic right to access health care will be met with the full force of the law,” she said.
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