Planned Parenthood in California on Fifth Circuit Mifepristone Case Decision; Abortion Remains Legal and Accessible in California

April 13, 2023

SACRAMENTO — Statement from Jodi Hicks, CEO/President of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, on ruling issued in the middle of the night by two Trump-nominated judges of a Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals panel largely denying the Biden administration’s request to issue a stay of the district court ruling in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine et al v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration et al:

“The ruling out of the 5th district is beyond ridiculous. Judges interfering with science and evidence-based medicine is dangerous and harmful. By reinstating outdated requirements and attempting to ban the mailing of mifepristone, the court is effectively ripping a lifeline away from millions of people across the U.S. – and they know exactly what they are doing. The chaos and confusion for patients and providers is part of the cruelty of anti-abortion zealots and part of their attempt to ban abortion across the nation.

“Everyone should be furious about the overstepping by these judges and the far reaching impacts their politically motivated ruling could have on access to a safe medication for everyone.

“Planned Parenthood affiliates continue to assess this ruling and what it means for the provision of care in California but let’s be clear, abortion remains legal and accessible in California. Planned Parenthood in California will continue to support Californians and out-of-state patients seeking care they need here.”