David Awoyode
Costco has announced that it will not stock the abortion pill mifepristone at any of its 500+ pharmacy locations. The company cited a lack of consumer demand, according to Bloomberg News, but did not comment on whether investor pressure influenced the decision. A coalition of groups, including Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) and Inspire Investing, had urged Costco not to sell the drug. Chemical abortions account for about half of all U.S. abortions annually. ADF attorney Michael Ross called the decision “a very significant win” and expressed hopes to expand such victories in the future.
Texas Lawsuit Targets Online Abortion Drug Provider Over Wrongful Death
A Texas man, Christopher Cooprider, is facing a wrongful death lawsuit for allegedly killing his unborn child by slipping abortion pills into the mother’s drink without her consent. The lawsuit names both Cooprider and Aid Access founder Rebecca Gomperts as defendants, alleging the drugs were illegally shipped into Texas, where abortion is largely banned. Text messages included in the lawsuit suggest Cooprider pressured the mother to abort, though she had no intention of doing so. The incident, which occurred April 5, led to the death of the unborn child and sent the mother to the emergency room.
Montana Pro-Family Groups Challenge State’s Abortion Rights Clause
The Montana Life Defense Fund and Montana Family Foundation have filed a lawsuit in Yellowstone District Court to overturn the abortion rights provision in the Montana Constitution. The groups argue that the ballot initiative approving the provision was invalid because the full text was not printed on the ballot. The constitution currently guarantees the right to abortion up to fetal viability (about 22 weeks). The Montana Supreme Court previously ruled against the groups, but they remain determined to pursue legal challenges.
Indiana Appeals Court Upholds State’s Pro-Life Law
The Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld a state law restricting abortions to hospitals and surgical centers while protecting unborn life except in cases of rape, incest, fatal fetal anomaly, or serious health/life risks to the mother. Planned Parenthood Great Northwest challenged the law, arguing it would make providers hesitant to act in health-risk situations. In a 31-page ruling, the court found the restrictions did not violate the state constitution, calling the hospital requirement “not a material burden.” Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita praised the decision as a “resounding victory for life.”
Charles Esther