WASHINGTON—The Supreme Court today unanimously ruled in First Choice Women’s Resource Centers, Inc. v. Davenport that nonprofit organizations like pro-life groups can challenge subpoenas demanding the identity of their financial supporters in court.  

Cully Stimson, acting director for The Heritage Foundation’s Institute for Constitutional Government and a senior legal fellow, made the following statement:

“This ruling is a victory for First Choice and other organizations targeted by the Left. The fact that this holding was unanimous and there were no concurrences shows how emphatic the Court is in protecting associational rights under the First Amendment.  

“This holding is a victory for the First Amendment and a slap at any government actor who attempts to force lawful organizations to disclose private donor information under the guise of ‘consumer protection’ or ‘transparency.’”

Melanie Israel, a visiting fellow in Heritage’s DeVos Center for Life, Religion, and Family, added:

“When a mom reaches out for a helping hand, pregnancy resource centers like First Choice say, ‘We are here for you.’ Their work is lifesaving. One recent study found that 2,800 pro-life pregnancy resource centers across the country served more than 1 million new clients in 2024. They provided an estimated $452 million in services, including ultrasounds, parenting and prenatal classes, and supplies like diapers and clothing.

“These centers are on the frontlines, building a culture of life. They serve communities because they care deeply about moms, dads, and their unborn babies. It’s unconscionable that they have faced years of targeted harassment by abortion advocates and their government allies.”