Planned Parenthood of Greater New York Responds to District Court Decision in Texas Medication Abortion Case 

New York – Yesterday, a federal judge in Texas in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine et al v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration et al blocked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of mifepristone, threatening the 22-year approval of one of two medications used in the most common medication abortion regimen in the United States. However, the judge also stayed the decision to give the federal government seven days to seek relief on appeal, which means that for now, approval of mifepristone remains protected in New York.  

In a separate ruling, a federal judge in Washington issued a preliminary injunction in a mifepristone case brought by 18 Attorneys General. While much remains unclear on the effects of these two rulings, for now, approval of mifepristone remains protected. 

Regardless of how these cases are decided, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York will continue to offer its patients the full range of abortion services, including in-clinic abortion and medication abortion with safe, effective methods.  Representatives from PPGNY are available for media interviews.  

Statement by Wendy Stark, President & CEO, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York: 

This lawsuit is not simply a challenge to the FDA’s approval process of a safe and effective medication. This was part of a full-fledged assault by anti-abortion extremists to diminish our bodily autonomy and fundamental right to health care. Their challenge to the FDA’s approval of mifepristone is another outrageous tactic in their relentless crusade to ban abortion nationwide. The consequences of this case could be incredibly far-reaching and would only further compound existing racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic health inequities. 

Attempts to compromise access to abortion do not erase the need for abortion care. Planned Parenthood of Greater New York will not allow a judge in Texas to interfere with abortion access in our state. We will continue to offer our patients safe, legal abortion services – including medication abortion. We are committed to care, no matter what.

Statement by Gabriela Aguilar, M.D., Medical Director, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York:  

The court’s decision does not change the science, and the proven fact that mifepristone is a safe and effective option for abortion and medical treatment of miscarriage. It is unconscionable that a judge, who is not a health care professional, is attempting to revoke 20 years of evidence-based science as part of a politically motivated, anti-abortion agenda. Everyone should have the ability to make decisions about their own reproductive lives and futures, including choosing the method of abortion that works best for their circumstances. This lawsuit attempts to physically punish people for their pregnancy outcomes. We will continue to do everything in our power to guarantee safe and equal access to all methods of abortion for anyone who enters our health centers.