Attorney General Ken Paxton has sent letters demanding that several pro-abortion organizations immediately stop sending abortifacient drugs into the state—and warning that a failure to comply could result in further legal action.
Paxton’s demand comes after two lawsuits were filed regarding men illegally obtaining abortion drugs from activists and organizations.
One of the suits alleges that an unborn child died, and its mother was hospitalized due to complications.
Letters Paxton sent to Plan C, Her Safe Harbor, and Coeytaux demand that the organizations immediately cease and desist mailing abortion drugs into Texas.
Paxton warns that their actions have violated not only Texas law, but also the federal Comstock Act of 1873, which prohibits the mailing of “any drug, medicine, article, or thing designed, adapted, or intended for producing abortion.”
“Texas will not tolerate the murdering of innocent life through illegal drug trafficking,” said Paxton. “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 flagrant violation of both state and federal laws, and we are going to do everything in our power to protect mothers and unborn babies.”
Paxton warns that if these organizations do not desist, it could result in further legal action.
“Abortion is a big threat to preborn babies in our communities, even today,” Kim Schwartz, director of media and communication for Texas Right to Life, told Texas Scorecard. “That’s why we’re grateful Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a warning to abortion pill websites, threatening legal action unless they stop sending these deadly drugs to Texas homes and dorm rooms.”
Schwartz added that this is why lawmakers must pass Senate Bill 7, known as the Woman and Child Protection Act, before the end of the second special session, noting that despite Texas’ pro-life laws, thousands of preborn babies die every year.
“Today’s cease and desist letters are a great step against the online abortion industry, but more action is needed to save children,” Schwartz added. “We need the Texas Legislature to pass Senate Bill 7 to ensure all Texans can bring abortionists to justice, even those hiding in pro-abortion SHIELD states.”
Senate Bill 7, authored by State Sen. Bryan Hughes (R–Mineola), targets abortion drug distribution and allows citizens to bring lawsuits against violators. Lawsuits can be brought even if the violators live in a state with shield laws, which protect medical providers from legal consequences imposed by other states where certain practices—primarily abortion and gender-mutilating procedures—are prohibited and punishable by law.
The measure has received approval from the Senate Committee on State Affairs, but Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has indicated that the Senate will take up the House’s version of the legislation.
