Fact Check: The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin issued a civil subpoena against First Choice Women's Resource, a crisis pregnancy center, on October 16, 2023, seeking information about potential misconduct and misleading practices.

Fact Check: New Jersey Attorney General Issued Subpoena Against First Choice Women's Resource

What We Know

The claim states that New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin issued a civil subpoena against First Choice Women's Resource, a crisis pregnancy center, on October 16, 2023. However, the timeline and details surrounding the subpoena indicate otherwise. According to a statement from Attorney General Platkin, the subpoena was actually issued in November 2023, not October. This subpoena was part of an investigation into whether First Choice was complying with state laws regarding potential misrepresentations about reproductive healthcare services (NJOAG).

Furthermore, the ongoing legal dispute regarding this subpoena has reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which is set to hear the case in the fall of 2025. The Supreme Court's involvement centers on whether First Choice's lawsuit against the Attorney General was filed prematurely, rather than questioning the validity of the subpoena itself (Reuters, New York Times).

Analysis

The claim's inaccuracy primarily lies in the date of the subpoena's issuance. The Attorney General's statement clearly specifies that the subpoena was issued in November 2023, which contradicts the claim that it was issued on October 16, 2023. This discrepancy is significant as it misrepresents the timeline of events and the legal context surrounding the investigation.

The sources cited in this analysis are credible. The statement from the Attorney General's office is an official communication, providing a reliable account of the events. Additionally, reports from reputable news organizations like Reuters and The New York Times confirm the timeline and context of the subpoena, further supporting the Attorney General's statement (Reuters, New York Times).

The legal proceedings are also being reported by multiple outlets, including The Hill and USA Today, which discuss the implications of the subpoena and the ongoing Supreme Court case (The Hill, USA Today). These sources are recognized for their journalistic integrity and thorough reporting on legal matters.

Conclusion

The claim that Attorney General Matthew Platkin issued a civil subpoena against First Choice Women's Resource on October 16, 2023, is False. The subpoena was issued in November 2023, and the ongoing legal challenges are focused on procedural issues rather than the legitimacy of the subpoena itself. This misrepresentation of the date is critical in understanding the legal context of the situation.

Sources

1. Statement from Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin on SCOTUS Order in First Choice v. Platkin
2. PDF N HE Supreme Court of the United States
3. US Supreme Court to hear dispute involving anti-abortion crisis pregnancy center
4. Supreme Court to Hear Case on Subpoena to Anti-Abortion Clinics
5. Supreme Court to review New Jersey AG's subpoena to anti-abortion clinics
6. Supreme Court takes up pregnancy center's challenge to subpoena