Texas AG orders halt to abortion pill distribution

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is taking action to halt the distribution of illegal abortion drugs into the state. Paxton issued cease-and-desist letters to Her Safe Harbor, Plan C, and an affiliate of Aid Access. These letters demand an immediate stop to the shipment of mifepristone and misoprostol—drugs that not only end the life of an unborn child, but also pose serious health risks to women, including severe bleeding, infection, and the possibility of surgical intervention.

In a strong statement, Attorney General Paxton affirmed, “Texas will not tolerate the murdering of innocent life through illegal drug trafficking. These abortion drug organizations and radical activists are not above the law, and I have ordered the immediate end of this unlawful conduct. This is a blatant breach of both state and federal laws, and we are determined to protect mothers and unborn babies.”

Illegal abortion pills present a real threat. One abortion pill provider alone is estimated to distribute approximately 19,000 packs of these drugs into Texas annually. On a national scale, a recent report shed light on the alarming prevalence of these practices, with nearly 120,000 packs of abortion pills circulated in just over a year, primarily directed towards women living in areas where abortion is restricted or banned.

By bypassing medical oversight, these mail-order abortion drugs expose women to significant risks, often leaving them isolated and at times subject to pressure and coercion from other parties. Attorney General Paxton’s legal action is grounded on the federal Comstock Act, the Human Life Protection Act of Texas, and state consumer protection laws. Any violation of this new directive could be subject to penalties upwards of $100,000.

Pro-life advocates have lauded this initiative as a crucial measure in safeguarding both women and unborn children. Alongside this, Heartbeat International is advocating for federal accountability, urging the FDA to reinstate safety protocols and enforce existing laws. Furthermore, it’s also urging Texas and the US to instead offer compassionate, life-affirming alternatives like pregnancy help centers, adoption support, and programs such as Abortion Pill Reversal for those who change their minds. In reaffirming its commitment to life, Texas underscores an expanding national consensus to prioritize women’s wellbeing, protect unborn children, and redefine America’s future with life-affirming care, away from the harms of illegal drug trafficking.