Ulster County Clerk Refuses To File Texas Fine Against NY Doctor

ULSTER COUNTY, NY — The Ulster County clerk has refused to file a more than $100,000 judgment from Texas against a Hudson Valley doctor who prescribed abortion pills to a Texas woman.

A Texas judge last month ordered Dr. Margaret Carpenter to pay the penalty for breaking that state's law by prescribing abortion medication via telemedicine. The Texas attorney general's office has since asked a New York court to enforce the default civil judgment, which is $113,000 with attorney and filing fees, according to the A.P.

The acting Ulster County clerk has now publicly refused to file that judgement.

See Also:

• NY Doctor Indicted By Louisiana For Prescribing Abortion Pill
• Arrest Warrant Issued For NY Doctor Who Prescribed Abortion Bill
• State Of Texas Suing Hudson Valley Doc For Prescribing Abortion Pill
• Hochul Signs Rejection Of Extradition Request For NY Abortion Doctor

"Today, I informed Texas State Attorney General Ken Paxton that the Ulster County Clerk's Office will not be filing a summary judgment against a New Paltz physician who is facing charges in Texas for providing mifepristone via telehealth to a Texas resident," Acting County Clerk Taylor Bruck said in a statement released on Thursday. "The judgment in question seeks a civil penalty exceeding $100,000 due to the doctor's failure to appear in court."

The county official said that rather than an act of disobedience, he is simply following New York law.

"As the Acting Ulster County Clerk, I hold my responsibilities and the oath I have taken in the highest regard," Bruck said. "In accordance with the New York State Shield Law, I have refused this filing and will refuse any similar filings that may come to our office. Since this decision is likely to result in further litigation, I must refrain from discussing specific details about the situation. It is truly an honor to serve as Acting Ulster County Clerk, and I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to serve the residents of our County today."

Soon after announcing the decision, the county official was supported by the New York's highest elected official in a fiery statement.

"The anti-woman, anti-abortion zealots are at it again," Gov. Kathy Hochul said. "Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is trying to come after a New York doctor who prescribed medication abortion via telemedicine — the same doctor who is facing charges in Louisiana for the so-called 'crime' of prescribing this FDA-approved medication."

Hochul singled out Bruck, lauding his "bravery."

"Today, the County Clerk in Ulster County bravely stood up with a simple message: hell no," the governor said. "Acting County Clerk Taylor Bruck has formally notified Texas that in accordance with our shield laws he is rejecting the filing of a judgment against a New York doctor. New York is grateful for his courage and common sense. This is New York. We’ll never back down from fighting for these fundamental rights."

Meanwhile, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton took to social media to express outrage at the refusal by the county official and vowed to take action.

"New York is shredding the Constitution to hide lawbreakers from justice, and it must end," Paxton wrote in a post on X. "I will not stop my efforts to enforce Texas’s pro-life laws that protect our unborn children and mothers."