Cases Dismissed and Pro-Lifers’ First Amendment Rights Protected

Thomas More Society Attorneys Secure Dismissal of Baseless Charges by the City of St. Louis

December 6, 2013 (St. Louis) – Today in St. Louis Circuit Court, Associate Circuit Judge Michael Noble dismissed charges against pro-life activists, Brian Westbrook, executive director of Coalition for Life St. Louis, and Rita Sparrow, veteran sidewalk counselor, after testimony and arguments this morning. The cases had been brought by the City of St. Louis, which stretched ordinances beyond their intended scope in order to charge Mr. Westbrook and Ms. Sparrow for simple, peaceful demonstration outside the local Planned Parenthood.

In June 2012, St. Louis police accused Mr. Westbrook of “False Advertising” for displaying a sign that advised abortion-bound women that there were “Free Pregnancy Tests and  Ultrasounds” available at the nearby Thrive ultrasound van.

The City claimed that, because Westbrook himself was not providing such free tests or ultrasounds, his sign was deceptive and misleading. Westbrook was, however, referring Planned Parenthood patrons to the ultrasound van parked just across the street from the Planned Parenthood clinic, where ultrasound and pregnancy tests were freely provided.

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