Texas Ruling Attempting to Ban Mifepristone Puts Survivors at Risk

For Release on April 11, 2023

Austin, TX – The National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline), headquartered in Austin, Texas, strongly opposes the recent Texas Federal Judge’s ruling, which attempts to ban mifepristone— the most common and safe at-home abortion medication in the U.S. In 2022, 27,339 people reaching out to The Hotline shared experiences related to non-consensual sexual interaction through coercion, guilt, or force. We know that the right to access reproductive health care, including safe and legal abortion, and bodily autonomy are essential to living a life free from violence. Abortion restrictions, and any limitations on the right of individuals to control their own bodies, have a far-reaching and devastating impact on victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. For many, sexual and reproductive health care is critical for their safety and the safety of their families.

The Hotline hears from survivors every day who experience reproductive control, coercion, and abuse; abusive partners pressure sexual activity, stealthing, sabotaging contraception, and restrict access to essential health care. The decision from our home state of Texas banning mifepristone will limit an essential aspect of healthcare for survivors and put those most vulnerable at even more risk. Any attempt to limit a victim or survivors’ access to reproductive healthcare and controlling their own bodies is nothing short of cruel. We are outraged that the harm caused by restricting access to safe and legal abortion to those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault is ignored by lawmakers and courts across this country— revictimizing survivors time and again. Survivors and all those who can become pregnant deserve better.

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The National Domestic Violence Hotline envisions a world where all relationships are positive, healthy, and free from violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship abuse in any form, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7/365. Text START to 88788, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or chat with us online at TheHotline.org. You are not alone.