Planned Parenthood is gearing up to open its new clinic in Brighton, New York, in early January 2024. This development comes after a significant legal victory on December 12, when State Supreme Court Justice Elena Cariola dismissed a lawsuit aimed at halting the project.
The new facility, located at Westfall Road and South Clinton Avenue, is adjacent to the temporary clinic that has been operational since June 2021. Despite a prolonged legal battle by opponents, including local groups like Brighton Residents Against Violence to Everyone and Roc Love, the nonprofit prevailed.
Michelle Casey, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York, welcomed the court’s decision. “This ruling ensures uninterrupted access to vital health services, including abortion, for our patients,” she said.
The opposition had argued procedural flaws in state agency approvals and claimed improper handling of deadlines. However, Justice Cariola found these claims lacking merit, stating that the opponents had misinterpreted the law and filed their case too late.
Planned Parenthood‘s existing clinic on University Avenue will remain unaffected by the new Brighton location. Casey emphasized that the new clinic would continue offering comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services.
The opposing groups are considering an appeal, focusing on questions about standing and state approval processes. Whether this appeal could delay the clinic’s opening is uncertain.
Despite the court victory, Judge Cariola declined to impose sanctions on the opponents, acknowledging their legal arguments as mostly substantive but expressing concern over their shifting tactics.
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