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Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck has rejected a legal filing from Texas, which sought to enforce a civil judgment against Dr. Margaret Daley Carpenter, a New Paltz physician. Texas charged Carpenter with using telehealth to prescribe abortion medication to a minor in Texas. The judgment demanded Carpenter pay over $100,000 for not appearing in court. However, Bruck refused to file the judgment in New York, citing the state's telehealth shield law, which protects medical providers offering abortion care to patients in states with restrictive abortion laws.
The Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, expressed outrage over New York's refusal, accusing the state of undermining Texas' pro-life laws. Paxton's office may now pursue legal action against Bruck or New York. Bruck stated, "The shield law is very clear," and emphasized that his decision aligns with New York's legal protections for abortion providers.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James have both supported Bruck's decision, reinforcing the state's commitment to defending its medical professionals. The case may escalate to the U.S. Supreme Court, potentially challenging shield laws nationwide.