In a press release, James said that the organization had "made it their mission to terrorize reproductive health care providers and the patients they serve.”
“Only we have the right to make decisions about our own bodies — not anti-choice legislators, and not bigoted zealots," James continued. "We will not allow Red Rose Rescue to harass and harangue New Yorkers with their outrageous militant tactics. Make no mistake: abortion is health care, and as New York’s Attorney General, I will continue to protect and defend everyone’s legal right to safely access health care.”
James' lawsuit cites numerous occasions where members of Red Rose Rescue blocked or “invaded” clinics, preventing patients from receiving care. The statement notes that "despite multiple convictions in New York and across the country, Red Rose Rescue continues to repeat their hateful, disruptive, and criminal misconduct, terrorizing reproductive health care providers and patients."
"Red Rose Rescue is a radical anti-abortion group whose members seek to prevent abortions by trespassing into private medical facilities and clinics and refusing to leave until they are physically removed by law enforcement," it reads.
Alongside civil penalties and damages, James seeks to prevent any member of the group to come within 30 feet of a reproductive health care facility in New York.
George Latimer, Executive of Westchester County, where several of the criminal incidents occurred, applauded James' decision, saying it will make communities safer and free to pursue the health care they require.
“While we respect the right to peaceful protest and the freedom of expression, invading clinics and blocking access to reproductive health care is not only illegal but also an egregious violation of the rights and safety of individuals seeking essential medical services,” he said. “The actions of this group in these incidents goes far beyond free speech and free assembly; they specifically used force to stop others from accessing services."
Latimer added: "We will not tolerate such actions that intimidate and terrorize patients, staff, and clinicians."
