Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest Condemns Recent Ruling

On Friday, April 7, 2023 a federal judge in Texas suspended the U.S. Food Drug Administration’s two-decade old approval of mifepristone – declaring one of two medications used in the most common medication abortion regimen in the United States unlawful. This ruling does not go into effect immediately, but has the potential to disrupt access to basic sexual and reproductive health care, and to disproportionately impact communities which already face barriers to care. The decision on this case was stayed to allow the federal government to appeal, which they already have. This means that mifepristone is still available and medication abortion remains safe and legal.

Below is a statement from Darrah DiGiorgio Johnson, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest:

“We are extremely disappointed by today’s ruling that has suspended the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s approval of mifepristone – a safe and effective drug used in medication abortion. Reversing the FDA’s approval of mifepristone sets a dangerous precedent for the future of medicine, and puts people at risk.

What we’re seeing today is nothing new: Anti-abortion proponents will continue to use disinformation and weaponization of our judicial court system in an attempt to deny people the right to make their own private health decisions and erode access to sexual and reproductive health care.

As of now, nothing is changing. Medication abortion remains safe and legal in California, and Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest health centers will continue to provide care that is based on science and facts, including safe and legal medication abortion. We know that this won’t be the last attack on sexual and reproductive health and rights, and we will never back down in the face of these threats.

We remain committed to our patients, our communities, and all who champion reproductive freedom.”