April 7, 2023

Ms. Foundation Speaks Out on Texas Federal Judge’s Decision to Suspend FDA Approval of Mifepristone

NEW YORK (April 7, 2023) – Ms. Foundation for Women President and CEO Teresa C. Younger released the following statement in response to federal Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk’s decision to suspend FDA approval of mifepristone: 

“The Ms. Foundation for Women condemns the ruling of Judge Kacsmaryk of the Northern District of Texas for his unprecedented interference with the FDA’s 22 year-old approval of mifepristone. By suspending the FDA’s approval, one judge has begun a path to halt access to the most common form of abortion in the United States, even in states where abortion is legal. This ruling will not prevent abortions from happening, but it will increase the harm and threats of violence that women, particularly women of color, face trying to access fundamental healthcare. 

“This timing is not a coincidence. Wyoming banned mifepristone last month, and across the country we are seeing increasing attempts towards full abortion bans in the wake of the Roe v. Wade reversal. Make no mistake – this ruling does not protect the health, safety, and welfare of girls and women as the plaintiffs argued. The FDA and the millions of people who have taken mifepristone know that it is safe and effective. By banning the use of mifepristone, marginalized communities will continue to bear the repercussions of decisions made by people in power who are making decisions based on ideology and politics, and without regard for the wellbeing of millions, rather than decisions guided by science and research.

“The Ms. Foundation will continue to support the fearless and relentless determination of grassroots activists fighting for reproductive justice in communities across the country. This decision is a call to action – we are facing increasing threats to bodily autonomy and reproductive justice, and we must support the leaders on the frontlines who know what their communities need and can mobilize action. This fight is not over.” 

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For 50 years, the Ms. Foundation for Women has shaped women’s philanthropy in the United States, providing a blueprint for the establishment of hundreds of local and regional women’s funds, influencing mainstream culture through nationwide projects such as Take Our Daughters to Work Day, and making grants totaling over $90 million to more than 1,600 grassroots organizations across the country. Through research, advocacy, and grantmaking, the Ms. Foundation is the national model for sustainable, trust-based philanthropic support of women of color-led movements. With equity and inclusion as the cornerstones of true democracy, the Ms. Foundation works to create a world in which the worth and dignity of every person are valued, and power and possibility are not limited by gender, race, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or age. The Ms. Foundation will celebrate 50 years of progress and power at the Women of Vision Awards on May 16th, 2023 in New York City.