California Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed confidence Friday that the state will win its lawsuit against anti-abortion organizations accused of making deceptive claims about "abortion pill reversal." The legal action, filed in 2023 against Heartbeat International and RealOptions Obria, centers on allegations that the groups promoted high-dose progesterone as a method to reverse the effects of mifepristone without adequately warning of potential risks, such as severe bleeding.
The case has concluded the testimony phase, with closing arguments scheduled for September 17. A judge is expected to deliver a ruling within 90 days of that date. Bonta stated his belief that the court will rule in the state's favor.
Heartbeat International and its co-defendants maintain their defense of the procedure. They have also raised questions about the medical experts presented by the Attorney General's office. Joe Barnas of the Thomas More Society, representing one of the groups, noted that a doctor who testified for the state admitted to performing over 5,000 abortions. Barnas argued that this expert's views align with an "ideological tradition" advocating for population control through expanded abortion access, rather than representing a neutral scientific stance.
The anti-abortion groups' legal team contends that the scientific debate surrounding the abortion pill reversal procedure is not settled. Despite the legal challenges, the organizations report successful outcomes, citing the case of Elizabeth Barrett, who sought and received assistance from Heartbeat International after regretting her initial decision to take an abortion pill. Barrett subsequently gave birth to a child.
"These women deserve the right to try and save their pregnancies. No woman should ever be forced to complete an abortion she no longer wants," a statement from the nonprofit read.