Rhia Ventures Statement on Mifepristone Rulings
Rhia Ventures, a social impact organization that leverages the private sector to advance equitable reproductive and maternal health outcomes for women and other birthing people in the US, made this statement in response to recent rulings from the Northern District of Texas and State of Washington in cases against the US Food and Drug Administration.
“On Friday, two federal judges issued rulings affecting the status of mifepristone, a drug used for more than half of all abortions in the United States.
The ruling in Texas invalidates the FDA’s long-established approval of mifepristone and is another attempt to further erode access to a safe, effective way to end pregnancy. The decision could tie the hands of healthcare providers committed to caring for their patients. It could undermine the statutory and regulatory framework for bringing new medical treatments to market that has protected the health of the American public for over a century. The order will not go into immediate effect. The FDA has seven days since the ruling to appeal.
By contrast, the ruling in Washington rightly upholds the safety and efficacy of mifepristone and asserts the restrictions on prescribing and dispensing mifepristone are harmful and unnecessary.
Because of the conflicting rulings in these federal cases, the legal fall out will likely lead to the matter going before the Supreme Court of the United States. Rhia Ventures will continue to monitor developments.
Access to mifepristone remains unchanged at this time. Individuals who have questions and concerns related to their reproductive health should consult a qualified provider for guidance.
Restrictions to abortion access disproportionately harm our country’s most marginalized women and other birthing people by further undermining the personal bodily autonomy of individuals seeking abortion care. Each of us should be able to live, work, and make decisions about our health and our future with dignity and respect.
Rhia Ventures calls on all those in the business community who participate in the market for reproductive health care – companies, investors, founders, board directors, employees, and others – to join us in our steadfast commitment to creating a world where every woman and birthing person can thrive with full autonomy over their reproductive and maternal health. The stakes are too high to not fight for our future with every resource at our disposal.“
-Erika Seth Davies, CEO
Information about Rhia Ventures, including contact information for media inquiries, is available here.
