Attorney General Bonta Issues Statement on Fifth Circuit Ruling on Medication Abortion

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a statement in response to a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirming portions of a district court’s order limiting access to mifepristone, a drug which is widely used for medication abortion. The Fifth Circuit’s decision does not mean that the district court’s order will take immediate effect. Due to an emergency stay ordered by the U.S. Supreme Court in April, mifepristone currently remains legal, including in California. 
 
“Medication abortion saves lives, empowers communities, and protects the health and future of pregnant people,” said Attorney General Bonta. “We are disappointed in today’s ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which, if allowed to take effect, will restrict access to this vital medication for millions of Americans. Let me be clear: Abortion is and will remain safe, legal, and accessible in California. If you seek reproductive care in this state, you will be protected: You have my word.”
 
Mifepristone is an exceedingly safe and effective medication — so safe that its use presents a lower risk of serious complications than taking Tylenol, having a wisdom tooth removed, using Viagra, or getting a colonoscopy. Today’s decision from the Fifth Circuit would sharply limit access to the medication.

For information on Attorney General Bonta's previous actions to defend and expand access to reproductive care, including to medication abortion, click here.