New Paltz Town Board members passed a resolution in support of Dr. Maggie Carpenter, a resident who has been indicted in Louisiana for providing abortion medications by mail in violation of that state’s laws. The resolution was adopted unanimously with one council member absent at a meeting of the town board on Thursday, February 6. New York has a law that shields Carpenter from extradition, but this is untested legal ground and the case may continue for some time. Dr. Carpenter is the founder of Nightingale Medical in New Paltz.
The resolution stated that “the Town of New Paltz expresses its gratitude to Governor Hochul and Senator Hinchey for their commitment to protecting the civil rights of all New Yorkers.”
“Our civil rights are under attack,” stated supervisor Amanda Gotto. “Recently, Dr Maggie Carpenter of New Paltz was sued for providing abortion health care to a resident of Louisiana. I am proud to offer a resolution in support of her courage and compassion.”
Following the breaking news on Friday, January 31, local politicians were quick to lend their support to Dr. Carpenter. Senator Michelle Hinchey condemned the indictment, stating, “The fears that many of us have had for months have become a reality… This is a deliberate effort to criminalize the private healthcare decisions of a patient. ”
“Abortion is health care, and the real injustice is the law passed in the State of Louisiana depriving women of decisions about their own reproductive health,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “I personally know Dr. Carpenter, and can attest to her profound dedication to safeguarding the health of her patients. She is a medical professional and is doing her job, full stop. The State of New York cannot let this case move forward, and I know that our DA’s Office and State Attorney General Tish James are committed to enforcing the shield law to protect Dr. Carpenter and block this assault on the medical profession.”
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