California seeks $20M to silence pro-life group over 'abortion pill reversal'

(Heartbeat International/JDA Worldwide) On June 24, Heartbeat International will stand trial in California Superior Court in what is to be the first lawsuit over Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) to reach trial in the United States. 

In People v. Heartbeat International, et al., the California Attorney General is seeking nearly $20 million in penalties against Heartbeat International over its promotion of APR through its Abortion Pill Rescue Network (APRN). This case will decide if state attorneys general have the right to issue ruinous fines against a charity whose viewpoints those AGs disfavor. Heartbeat has asked the court to find that the First Amendment protects their speech and women’s rights to access information about all available options following a chemical abortion.

“California claims to fight for women's choices. But seeking the 'death penalty' in fines to silence the charity she calls when she changes her mind is not freedom — it's control,” said Jor-El Godsey, president of Heartbeat International. “No mom should be denied the chance to save her own baby's life. Heartbeat will always fight for a mother’s right to know and her right to choose life.”

California conceded that it has received no complaints from California women regarding APR. Instead, the trial will include testimony from mothers who sought help through Heartbeat's network and are today raising healthy children after choosing to reverse their abortion — firsthand accounts of the access to information this case puts at risk.

"This is the first case of its kind to reach trial, and the implications extend far beyond Heartbeat International,” said Danielle White, Esq., general counsel for Heartbeat International. “A ruling in California's favor would hand attorneys general across the country a roadmap to penalize any non-profit organization that provides women with information the state disagrees with." 

APR has been offered to women since 2012, using progesterone — an FDA-approved hormone safely prescribed during pregnancy since the 1950s — to counter the effects of mifepristone if administered within 72 hours. Statistics show more than 8,000 lives have been saved following the protocol.

Heartbeat International maintains that the state's case represents an unprecedented use of consumer protection law to restrict the free flow of medical information, with consequences that would reach well beyond California.

Heartbeat International remains committed to ensuring no mother faces that decision alone. Through its Abortion Pill Rescue Network, Heartbeat operates a 24/7 helpline connecting women with a nationwide network of medical professionals trained to provide APR treatment because no woman should be forced to complete an abortion she no longer wants.