Families USA: Mifepristone Decision Blows Apart FDA Scientific Independence, Creates Back Door Abortion Ban Women’s Health, and Access to Prescription Drugs for All Americans, under Direct Attack - Families USA Skip to Main Content
04.07.2023 / Statement

Families USA: Mifepristone Decision Blows Apart FDA Scientific Independence, Creates Back Door Abortion Ban Women’s Health, and Access to Prescription Drugs for All Americans, under Direct Attack

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Frederick Isasi, executive director of Families USA, issued the following statement today on a Texas district federal court’s decision banning the use of mifepristone. Mifepristone was first approved by the FDA more than 20 years ago and is used in more than half of abortion procedures nationwide.

“This reckless decision threatens the ability of every American to get FDA-approved medications, not just access for women to safe and effective abortion. The extremists that brought this case think one judge should be able to interfere with the careful scientific process and medical experts at the FDA. This judge has blown apart FDA’s scientific independence.

“Judge Kacsmaryk’s activist-decision also is completely out-of-step with the American people – who overwhelming believe access to abortion and other reproductive health care should be a decision between a woman and her doctor.

“Make no mistake, today’s ruling doubles down on recent attacks on women’s health and their ability to make decisions about whether and when to start a family, as well as receive life-saving care. For example, as millions of women who have faced tragic situations can attest, mifepristone is an essential medication to provide medical care when facing a miscarriage. No woman should be denied access to essential medications because of judges who are willing to place politics over science. And it will be women of color, people living in rural areas and poorer Americans who will find it hardest to access care and hurt the most.

“Last summer, the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe made clear that they did not intend to create a national ban on abortion but instead “return the decision to the states”. Today’s decision completely obliterates assurances by the Supreme Court and is a blatant attempt to rip away abortion access across this nation. The decision underscores that abortion opponents will say anything and use any available tactic to prevent women from having access to abortions, birth control and reproductive services.

“Access to FDA-approved medication is health care. Abortion is health care. Period.”

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