FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2023
CONTACT: Emily Witt (she/hers), [email protected]
AUSTIN, Texas – The Supreme Court today preserved nationwide access to mifepristone, a drug commonly used in abortion procedures. The decision follows the expiration of a stay on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to roll back access to mifepristone.
In blocking the restrictions set by the lower court, the Supreme Court has defended broad access to the drug across the United States in its first abortion-related ruling since overturning Roe v. Wade.
Texas Freedom Network Vice President of Programs Marti Bier (they/them) issued the following response:
“News of the decision gives us a moment to breathe in deeply and celebrate after abortion access was stolen from us by the Supreme Court last June. While we are elated and relieved that the Court chose not to block nationwide access to mifepristone, we cannot let this pro-abortion win distract us. We will never stop fighting to restore the rights we once had, and we must go beyond Roe by advocating for policies that make abortion available and affordable, fund clinics, and let all people know that they are trusted to make their own pregnancy decisions, including choosing the method of abortion that works best for their circumstances.
“Even though the majority of the country supports the right to abortion, we know that far-right politicians will continue to criminalize and weaponize our bodies for political power and control. This case is yet another example of that. We also know that this ruling does not provide equitable access to abortion care for those of us living in states where abortion is still not legal, as well as Black, rural, LGBTQIA+, and other historically marginalized communities.
“Abortion is healthcare and it should be a protected, accessible right for everyone. As we celebrate this milestone, we cannot stop supporting abortion funds, using our voices at the ballot box, and continuing to fight in the courts, the state legislature, and Congress to restore and protect our access to abortion once and for all.”
