Supreme Court to⁣ Hear NJ⁢ Crisis Pregnancy Center Subpoena Case

⁤ ⁤ Updated June 17, 2025
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The Supreme⁢ Court will review⁤ a dispute between⁤ New Jersey and First Choice Women’s ‍Resource Centers, a‍ faith-based crisis pregnancy center.The⁣ court’s decision puts on hold​ New Jersey’s investigation into whether First Choice misled the public regarding abortion referrals.

At issue is a 2023 ‍subpoena from New Jersey Attorney General​ Matthew ⁣Platkin, a ⁣Democrat, ⁣seeking information ‍on First Choice’s donors, medical staff, and marketing practices. First Choice, which⁢ operates in⁤ five⁣ New Jersey locations, has ‍resisted complying, ‍arguing⁤ the ⁣request infringes on its First Amendment rights.

the legal challenge ⁢centers on whether ⁢First Choice prematurely sued⁣ to block the subpoena.​ A federal district judge ⁢and an appeals court previously sided⁢ with the state, finding⁣ the challenge ⁢was ⁣not yet ripe for review.

The case arrives ⁢nearly three years after the Supreme Court‍ overturned Roe v.⁤ Wade. Since ‍then,states​ have sharply‌ diverged on abortion policy,with some enacting bans and others​ codifying abortion rights.

Alliance Defending Freedom, representing First Choice, argues that Platkin⁤ is targeting the center due to its pro-life stance. They describe First Choice as providing⁢ free ⁢services like parenting classes and ultrasounds.

Many crisis pregnancy centers, some ⁤using the‍ word ​”choice” in their names, have emerged nationwide ‍as 2022. These centers aim to dissuade ⁤pregnant women⁢ from seeking abortions.

New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act carries notable penalties for entities that mislead ‌the public by concealing or omitting material facts.

First ‌Choice’s ​website features ‌a prompt for those “considering an abortion,” directing them⁤ to information about abortion pills, procedures,⁤ and options in New‍ Jersey.

Platkin maintains the subpoena is lawful and necesary to ensure First choice complies with state laws.He ⁣asserts ⁢that nonprofits, including crisis pregnancy​ centers, cannot‌ deceive‍ residents.

“first choice—a crisis⁢ pregnancy‍ center operating⁢ in New Jersey—has for years refused to answer questions ⁣about their ⁣operations in​ New Jersey and the potential misrepresentations they have been making,including about reproductive healthcare,” Platkin said.
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⁣ “New‌ Jersey’s attorney general is targeting First Choice —‍ a ministry that provides parenting classes, free ultrasounds, baby clothes, and more to ​its​ community—simply as of its pro-life‌ views,” said attorney Erin hawley.

What’s next

The Supreme Court ⁣will hear arguments this ⁤fall.