UltraViolet Responds to Federal Court Ruling Freezing Abortion Pill Access Nationwide as “Unacceptable, Dangerous, and Unprecedented”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, April 7, 2023
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com
UltraViolet Responds to Federal Court Ruling Freezing Abortion Pill Access Nationwide as “Unacceptable, Dangerous, and Unprecedented”
Gender Justice Advocacy Group Calls Federal Court Ruling Barring Mifepristone a National Crisis
AMARILLO, TX — Moments ago, a Texas judge issued a preliminary injunction against the United States Food and Drug Administration’s approval of Mifepristone, one of the two most commonly used abortion medications in the nation. If the Biden Administration does not seek immediate emergency relief within seven days, the ruling will bar access to mifepristone nationwide.
In response to the federal court ruling, Shaunna Thomas, co-founder and executive director of UltraViolet, issued the following statement:
“This sham lawsuit has made a mockery of our legal system. But sadly, today’s illegitimate ruling is now a very real threat to everyone in the United States. As a result, Mifepristone, a drug the FDA approved more than 20 years ago and is safer than Tylenol, may not be available to those who need it within a week.
“This ruling is unacceptable, dangerous, and unprecedented.
“We have no illusions. We know this case was part of a coordinated political strategy designed by anti-abortion extremists to escalate the Supreme Court’s gutting of Roe v. Wade. One Trump-appointed judge with long-standing ties to anti-abortion extremists, and the Alliance Defending Freedom, a well-known Christian nationalist group, just took a court case filed intentionally within the jurisdiction of Amarillo, Texas to push their own ideological agenda.
“Let’s be clear: The anti-abortion movement knows their position is unpopular and untenable, so they are using the courts as a blunt force weapon against our rights.
“Today’s injunction could halt access to mifepristone across the country, including states like New York and California. A freeze in mifepristone access would harm anyone who seeks medication abortion and limit safe miscarriage medications for people who need it.
“We cannot let this happen.
“The Biden administration must appeal this decision to the 5th Circuit Court immediately. Upon appeal, we urge the Fifth Circuit to remedy today’s ruling by ensuring access to this FDA approved medication.”
“Abortion rights are already in crisis, and could be vastly worsened by this ruling in red and blue states alike. We will not stop fighting until mifepristone remains available to everyone who needs it; no matter who they are or where they live.
# # #