Planned Parenthood of Greater New York Responds to DOJ announcement of Federal Charges Against an Anti-Abortion Extremist
Contact: Ale Pedraza Buenahora, [email protected], 718-2003065
For Immediate Release: Sept. 29, 2022 (Updated: Sept. 29, 2022, 8:29 p.m.)
New York - Today the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced federal criminal charges against Christopher Moscinski, also known as Father Fedilis, for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (the “FACE Act”) in connection with blocking access to Planned Parenthood of Greater New York’s Hempstead health center. On July 7, 2022, Moscinski fastened several padlocks to the gated entrance of PPGNY's Hempstead center parking lot in an attempt to block entry into the health center and prevent patients from accessing life-saving sexual and reproductive health care.
Samuel Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer of Planned Parenthood of Greater New York issued the following statement in response to today’s arrest:
Our patients—and all people—deserve safe access to health care services, including abortion, free of harassment or intimidation. Over the years, we have witnessed anti-abortion extremists spew lies and use physical force to threaten our staff, bully our volunteers, and demoralize our patients. Nationwide attacks on abortion rights have fueled their vitriol. We will not allow our communities to fall victim to extreme hate. Planned Parenthood of Greater New York will not be intimidated by Christopher Moscinski or any individual who attempts to prevent our patients from accessing the care they need. We will pursue every avenue of legal recourse to ensure the safety and security of patients, staff, and volunteers.
About the FACE act:
Congress passed the FACE Act in 1994 in response to an increase in violence toward patients and providers of reproductive health services. The FACE Act prohibits violent, threatening, damaging and obstructive conduct intended to injure, intimidate or interfere with an individual’s right to seek, obtain or provide reproductive health service.
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Planned Parenthood of Greater New York (PPGNY) is a leading provider, educator, and advocate of sexual and reproductive health care in New York State. PPGNY offers a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services at its 23 health centers across 65% of New York State. PPGNY is a trusted source of medically accurate, evidence-based information that allows people to make informed decisions about their health and future. As a voice for reproductive freedom, PPGNY supports legislation and policies that ensure all New Yorkers have access to the full range of reproductive health services and education.