A prominent pro-life organization is urging officials in the Trump administration to protect access to progesterone, a hormone used to reverse the effects of the abortion pill. This call to action comes as states like New York and California take steps to restrict the use of progesterone.
40 Days For Life sent a letter to several key figures in the administration, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. They emphasized the safety of progesterone and highlighted its role in sustaining pregnancy. The group argues that the increasing success of using progesterone to reverse the abortion pill has led to legal actions from states they describe as “radical pro-abortion.”
In their letter, 40 Days For Life claimed that these actions limit women’s choices, stating, “Ironically, they are removing women’s ‘choice’ and limiting options to what the government decides is best for women and their babies.” Progesterone can counteract the effects of mifepristone, the abortion pill that causes the uterus to contract and expel its contents.
The organization is calling for federal regulations to ensure that healthcare providers can offer progesterone without fear of legal repercussions from state authorities. In New York, Attorney General Letitia James has launched investigations and lawsuits aimed at pro-life organizations regarding the use of progesterone. Similarly, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has accused pregnancy centers of misleading advertising related to the hormone.
Shawn Carney, co-founder of 40 Days For Life, criticized California’s stance, suggesting that the state is dismissing progesterone as ineffective. He expressed confidence that the pro-life movement would prevail in legal battles over this issue and hopes other states will refrain from similar actions.
Carney also pointed out that California has attempted to ban signs promoting abortion pill reversal, but his group plans to continue their outreach despite this. With over a million volunteers, 40 Days For Life claims to be the largest grassroots pro-life movement, organizing events worldwide.
Recent studies have raised concerns about the safety of mifepristone, with reports indicating that more than one in ten women experience serious adverse effects after taking the pill. This is significantly higher than what the FDA previously indicated. Additionally, data shows that over five percent of women may need a second abortion after the first attempt fails.
Carney has called for a complete review of mifepristone, citing alarming data on its safety. He noted that women who take the abortion pill often face emotional trauma from seeing the remains of their pregnancies, a stark contrast to surgical abortions.
The ongoing legal and political battles over progesterone and abortion pills highlight the deep divisions in the U.S. regarding reproductive rights. As states take differing approaches, the debate over access to these medications continues to intensify.