State Of Texas Suing Hudson Valley Doc For Prescribing Abortion Pill

ULSTER COUNTY, NY — New York's top officials are reacting to the State of Texas suing an Ulster County doctor for prescribing abortion pills to a woman near Dallas.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed the lawsuit on Thursday in Collin County, and it was announced Friday.

The lawsuit accuses New York Dr. Maggie Carpenter of violating Texas law by providing the drugs to a Texas patient. The federal lawsuit seeks up to $250,000, but does not involve any criminal charges.

"Texas laws prohibit a physician or medical supplier from providing any abortion-inducing drugs by courier, delivery, or mail service," Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement announcing the lawsuit. "Additionally, no physician may treat patients or prescribe Texas residents medicine through tele-health services unless the doctor holds a valid Texas medical license."

Paxton claims the patient in this case had serious complications, which required medical intervention.

"In this case, an out-of-state doctor violated the law and caused serious harm to this patient," Paxton said. "This doctor prescribed abortion-inducing drugs — unauthorized, over telemedicine — causing her patient to end up in the hospital with serious complications. In Texas, we treasure the health and lives of mothers and babies, and this is why out-of-state doctors may not illegally and dangerously prescribe abortion-inducing drugs to Texas residents."

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul released a statement condemning the Texas legal action and vowing to defend New York law.

"No doctor should be punished for providing necessary care to their patients," Hochul said in a fiery statement released on Friday. "That's why in the wake of the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision to strip away reproductive rights for American women, I worked with the Legislature to pass a shield law that protects abortion providers and patients. As Texas attempts to limit women's rights, I'm committed to maintaining New York's status as a safe harbor for all who seek abortion care, and protecting the reproductive freedom of all New Yorkers. Make no mistake: I will do everything in my power to enforce the laws of New York State."

Texas state law passed in 2021 barred nearly all abortions and allows citizens to sue anyone who provides an abortion or assists someone in obtaining one.

New York Attorney General vowed to protect New York doctors from intimidation or threats, including from her counterparts in other states

"Abortion is, and will continue to be, legal and protected in New York. As other states move to attack those who provide or obtain abortion care, New York is proud to be a safe haven for abortion access," James said. "We will always protect our providers from unjust attempts to punish them for doing their job and we will never cower in the face of intimidation or threats. I will continue to defend reproductive freedom and justice for New Yorkers, including from out-of-state anti-choice attacks."

The AP contributed to this story.