Reed Condemns Trump-Appointed Federal Judge in Texas for Invalidating FDA Approval of Mifepristone, the Widely-Used Abortion Medication, and Commends Competing Decision in Washington State to Keep Mifepristone Available

PROVIDENCE, RI – U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today released the following statement on a federal judge in Texas blocking U.S. government approval of an essential abortion medication and a federal judge in Washington ordering the U.S. government to keep this medication available:

“The Texas decision is another example of right-wing judicial overreach.  It’s an ideological attempt to nullify women’s rights and implement a nationwide ban. There is no legal precedent for this Trump-appointed judge’s attempt to override the FDA and invalidate the evidence-based findings of the scientific community and doctors, which women have relied upon for over 20 years.  This decision would limit women’s access to health care in every state in America.  The Biden Administration has already said that it will appeal this misguided and malignant decision. 

“Fortunately, a federal judge in Washington State delivered a competing decision tonight blocking the FDA from taking any action to make mifepristone less available to women who need it. I urge the higher courts to swiftly adopt the Washington State court’s reasoning and to resolve this judicial split in favor of preserving women’s access to safe and effective health care.”