Attorney General Bonta: U.S. Supreme Court Overturns Decision on Medication Abortion, but the Fight for Reproductive Rights is Far from Over

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to overturn the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit’s decision on access to mifepristone, a drug which is widely used for medication abortion and miscarriage treatment. Studies show that medication abortion allows individuals to receive reproductive care as early as possible when it is safest, least expensive, and least invasive. Medication abortion plays an important role in reducing barriers to healthcare, particularly for those who live in rural and underserved communities. 

“Today’s ruling overturns the Fifth Circuit’s decision to impose medically unnecessary and harmful restrictions on access to mifepristone,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Yet, the fight for reproductive rights across the country is far from over, as anti-abortion extremists stand ready to continue their meritless attacks on mifepristone and access to reproductive healthcare. No matter how many lawsuits they file or challenges they bring, they cannot change the facts: mifepristone is safe and effective—so safe, in fact, that it carries a lower risk of serious complications than taking Tylenol or undergoing a colonoscopy. At the California Department of Justice, we remain unwavering in our commitment to ensure that our state continues to be a safe haven for all individuals seeking reproductive healthcare services and medication.”

The Attorney General remains committed to supporting, expanding, and protecting reproductive freedom. In January 2024, he joined a coalition of 24 state attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court, in support of the federal government's regulations and preserving the full and complete access to mifepristone. In March 2024, he issued a statement in response to the Supreme Court’s oral argument in this case.