Pacific Justice Institute Files Supreme Court Brief Defending Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers From Government Harassment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 6, 2026

Case raises major First Amendment concerns over subpoenas targeting faith-based pregnancy centers and their donors

MORRISTOWN, N.J. - Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) has filed a friend of the court brief, also known as an amicus curiae, with the Supreme Court of the United States supporting a New Jersey pregnancy resource center that is fighting a subpoena from the Office of the New Jersey Attorney General demanding internal documents and donor information.

The case, First Choice Women's Resource Centers v. Platkin, centers on actions taken by New

Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin against First Choice Women's Resource Centers, a Christian pro-life organization that provides free services to women facing unplanned pregnancies and operates through private donations.

According to court filings, the Attorney General's office issued subpoenas seeking sensitive internal records from the organization, including information about donors and supporters. First Choice has challenged the subpoena, arguing that forcing disclosure of donor identities violates the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and longstanding protections for freedom of association.

The legal dispute comes as the Supreme Court considers the broader constitutional limits on government investigations targeting nonprofit advocacy organizations. First Choice argues that compelled disclosure of donor information can chill speech and deter supporters from associating with organizations that advocate for controversial or unpopular viewpoints.

Pacific Justice Institute submitted its amicus brief to help the Court understand how similar investigative tactics could threaten faith-based ministries and nonprofit organizations across the country.

"Government officials should not be allowed to use subpoenas as a tool to intimidate organizations simply because they disagree with their mission," said Karyn White, staff attorney with PJI. "Pregnancy resource centers exist to serve women and families in need. Forcing them to reveal private donor information threatens the constitutional protections that allow charitable and faith-based organizations to operate freely."

The legal principles at issue trace back to Supreme Court precedent protecting the right of Americans to associate privately for advocacy purposes, including NAACP v. Alabama (1958), where the Court ruled that states could not compel disclosure of membership lists in ways that could chill protected expression.

PJI Founder and President Brad Dacus said the case reflects a growing concern about the misuse of government authority against faith-based organizations.

"Pregnancy resource centers provide vital support to women during some of the most difficult moments of their lives," Dacus said. "When government officials attempt to expose their donors and supporters to potential harassment, it strikes at the heart of the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment. The Constitution protects the right of Americans to serve their communities according to their convictions."

The dispute arises amid ongoing legal and political debate surrounding access to abortion services and the role of pro-life organizations following the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which returned authority over abortion regulation to the states.

Supporters of pregnancy resource centers argue that these nonprofit organizations provide essential services including counseling, parenting education, and material assistance for mothers and families. Critics have raised concerns about the messaging and advocacy of such centers.

The Supreme Court's consideration of this case could help clarify how far government officials may go when investigating organizations engaged in constitutionally protected advocacy.

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