Lawsuit filed against Democratic Attorneys General for trying to shut down group providing at-home rape kits
Two Democratic state attorneys general are facing a lawsuit for allegedly violating the First Amendment rights of an organization seeking to expand aid for sexual assault survivors. Leda Health Corporation is at the center of the controversy, as they have developed an Early Evidence Kit (EEK) that allows victims to collect DNA evidence at home after a sexual assault, rather than going to a hospital for a traditional rape kit.
CEO Madison Campbell filed a lawsuit against New York Attorney General Letitia James and Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry after the two sent letters opposing the use of the at-home alternative kit. The lawsuit claims that the attorneys general “threatened, coerced, and intimidated Leda Health to stop its business in Pennsylvania and New York.”
The lawsuit argues that the defendants are infringing upon Leda Health’s and Campbell’s First Amendment rights by interfering with the company’s messaging. They believe that the attorneys general are trying to prevent Leda Health from informing sexual assault survivors about alternatives to government-endorsed services, such as traditional forensic exams conducted in hospitals or at law enforcement facilities.
According to the lawsuit, Henry referred to the EEK as a “deceptive practice” in her letter, suggesting that providing information about alternatives to government services could mislead victims. However, Leda Health and their supporters argue that they are simply trying to provide survivors with more options and improve access to crucial evidence collection.
Attorney Adam Little, representing Leda Health, emphasized the importance of protecting First Amendment rights in cases like this. He stated, “If you’re going to use this extreme power you have, you have to do so in a way that respects individuals’ and corporations’ First Amendment rights.”
In response to the lawsuit, an attorney for Leda Health asserted that the legal action was ultimately about a disagreement over how to best support survivors of sexual assault. The goal of Leda Health is to help change the current landscape for victims of sexual violence, and any obstacles to providing support and resources need to be addressed through legal means.
Overall, this lawsuit highlights the complex issues surrounding sexual assault advocacy and the importance of ensuring that all voices, including those of organizations like Leda Health, are heard and respected in the pursuit of justice for survivors.
