Texas AG Paxton Sues New York Clerk Over Abortion Ruling Enforcement

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed legal action against New York Acting Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck for refusing to enforce a $100,000 penalty against Dr. Margaret Carpenter, who was sued for prescribing and mailing abortion-inducing drugs to a Texas resident. After a Texas court ruled in favor of Paxton and levied penalties against Carpenter, Bruck declined to file the judgment or court summons in New York, citing the state's telehealth abortion shield law that protects medical providers from out-of-state prosecution for reproductive care lawfully provided in New York. Despite repeated requests, Bruck maintained her refusal, prompting Paxton to seek a writ of mandamus to compel enforcement of the Texas judgment. New York officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, have defended Carpenter, emphasizing the state's commitment to protecting abortion providers from legal actions originating in restrictive states like Texas. This legal confrontation highlights the growing tensions between states with opposing abortion laws and the challenges in enforcing cross-state judgments amid differing legal protections. Paxton has framed the action as part of Texas's broader effort to hold accountable those who provide abortion services to Texas residents, regardless of their location.