Why The Supreme Court Is Protecting Anonymous Giving

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled in First Choice Women's Resource Centers v. Platkin that New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin violated First Amendment associational rights by issuing broad subpoenas for donor information from pro-life pregnancy centers. In this Morning Wire Legal Wire episode, Alliance Defending Freedom counsel Aaron Holly, who argued the case, explains the decision's procedural focus, its protection of donor privacy, and implications for nonprofits facing hostile officials.

New Jersey AG's Actions Against Pregnancy Centers

Upon taking office, Platkin formed a "reproductive rights task force" targeting pregnancy care centers, which provide alternatives to abortion. He issued a consumer alert criticizing them for not performing abortions—after workshopping it with Planned Parenthood and incorporating their edits. He then subpoenaed First Choice Women's Resource Centers for donor names, addresses, phone numbers, and places of employment, threatening contempt for noncompliance. Platkin admitted lacking specific complaints against First Choice but pursued the investigation anyway, representing intent to contact donors directly to question their contributions.