In a video statement released on Thursday, February 13, Hochul firmly stated her decision not to sign an extradition order for Dr. Margaret Carpenter, who is based in Ulster County. This order had been sent by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry just hours before, but Hochul cited New York’s “shield laws” as the reason for her refusal.
Carpenter, a family physician located in New Paltz, recently faced charges brought forth by a Louisiana grand jury. The indictment implicated Carpenter, her medical practice called Nightingale Medical, and another individual. The charges stemmed from allegations of providing abortion-inducing drugs that resulted in the termination of a minor’s pregnancy.
Hochul strongly denounced the charges against Carpenter as a direct assault on reproductive rights.
New York State Governor, Kathy Hochul, emphasized that the strict shield laws put in place under her guidance had already anticipated such a scenario. Addressing concerns about the recent changes to Louisiana’s laws, she clarified that they had no impact on the existing laws in New York State. Hochul stated, “At my direction, we have put in place strict shield laws that anticipated this very situation. Louisiana has changed their laws, but that has no bearing on the laws here in the state of New York.”
“I am committed to protecting my patients, just as doctors take an oath to do so. Similarly, as a public servant, I have taken an oath of office to safeguard the well-being of all New Yorkers. I am dedicated to upholding not only our constitution but also the laws that govern our nation.”
New York implemented the “Shield Law” in 2022, with subsequent amendments in 2023, to safeguard doctors who offer abortion care to patients residing in states where abortion is limited or prohibited. This law ensures that telemedicine services and legally prescribed medications, such as Mifeprestone, which is an abortion-inducing drug involved in the case, are also protected.
Hochul stressed the importance of protecting doctors under New York’s laws. She made it clear that local law enforcement agencies have been instructed not to assist with out-of-state warrants involving these cases.
New York State Governor, Kathy Hochul, has taken measures to ensure that the state’s law enforcement agencies are aware that certain out-of-state warrants should not be enforced. In order to make this known throughout the state, a law enforcement notice has been sent out, instructing officers not to cooperate or enforce extradition in cases involving doctors who are protected by New York’s laws. Hochul emphasized the importance of this directive, stating that anyone who encounters a situation involving such individuals should be informed that these warrants are not enforceable in the state of New York.
In a significant development, a doctor is facing prosecution for allegedly sending abortion pills to another state. This case represents the first instance of such a prosecution since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, thereby granting individual states the authority to regulate abortion laws.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has made a strong commitment to ensuring that Carpenter faces the consequences of his actions. Murrill firmly emphasizes that both the act of sending abortion pills into the state and coercing others into having an abortion are illegal.
Dr. Carpenter, a co-founder of the Abortion Coalition for Telemedicine, has been actively advocating for improved access to reproductive healthcare across state borders.