Statement From URGE on the Attempt to Take Abortion Pills Off the Market
February 6, 2023
urge@fenton.com
As early as Feb. 10, a federal judge in Texas will rule on the decision to remove FDA approval of Mifepristone, a safe and effective pill used in clinician-guided and self-managed abortion care. Anti-abortion groups initiated this lawsuit weeks after the FDA expanded access to abortion pills by allowing them to be offered at retail pharmacies and removing the in-person requirement. This case is the latest attempt by extremists to control people’s bodies and further restrict healthcare options, especially as abortion pills now account for more than half of all abortions in the US.
Ahead of the decision, Kimberly Inez McGuire, Executive Director of URGE, said:
“Let’s be clear: Abortion pills are a safe and effective option for managing abortions on our own terms, and they should be accessible for everyone everywhere, whether in a clinic or for self-managed abortion.
“The attempt to remove this as an option for abortion care in the wake of the overturning of Roe is a dangerous move by anti-abortion groups and will severely restrict the reproductive healthcare decisions of millions of people across the country. We are particularly concerned that the loss of FDA approval may lead to increased risks of criminalization and surveillance, particularly for young, Black, immigrant and trans folks who self-manage their abortions. Additionally, this will disproportionately affect people in the 17 states and counting where abortion bans restrict care.
“While providers and advocates work to decipher the consequences of this ruling and how it could be implemented, one thing is certain: it is another severe attempt to roll back our rights. It’s time for our elected officials to expand our healthcare options, not strip them away at every turn.
“We recognize this is a scary moment for people across the country, and we want you to know that we at URGE, and many other reproductive health, rights and justice organizations, will not stop fighting until everyone has access to safe and affordable abortion care without stigma or risk of criminalization. We will continue pushing for inclusive policies that allow everyone to make their own healthcare decisions.”
