Arkansas Attorney General’s Actions Against Abortion Pill Companies
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has taken action against two abortion pill companies, Choices Women’s Medical Center, Inc. and Aid Access, for allegedly violating the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (ADTPA).
Cease and Desist Letters Issued
In 2024, Griffin issued cease and desist letters to both companies, accusing them of advertising abortion pills to Arkansans despite the state’s prohibition on abortions except in limited circumstances.
Allegations of Deceptive Trade Practices
Griffin’s office alleges that the companies’ advertisements violate the ADTPA because they mislead Arkansans into believing that abortion pills are legally available in the state.
Prohibition of Abortions in Arkansas
Abortions are generally prohibited in Arkansas, except in cases of rape, incest, or to protect the life of the mother. Griffin emphasized that abortion pills are not exempt from this prohibition and cannot be legally shipped to or used by Arkansans.
Illegal Distribution and Use of Abortion Pills
Griffin’s office has verified that both companies have been advertising abortion pills to Arkansans, in violation of state law. He warned that the distribution and use of abortion pills in Arkansas is illegal and carries serious consequences.
Verification of Violations
Griffin’s office conducted an investigation and found evidence that both companies were advertising abortion pills to Arkansans. This evidence included online advertisements and social media posts.
Demand for Compliance
Griffin has given the companies 14 days to cease and desist all advertising related to abortion services in Arkansas. He has also demanded that they provide written confirmation of the steps they have taken to comply with the cease and desist letters.
Enforcement Actions
If the companies fail to comply with the cease and desist letters, Griffin’s office will take enforcement action, including seeking civil penalties of $10,000 per violation.
Companies’ Response
The companies have not yet publicly responded to the cease and desist letters. They have 14 days to notify Griffin in writing of the steps they have taken to comply with the letters.
Arkansas Attorney General’s Crackdown on Abortion Pill Companies
Companies Accused of Deceptive Trade Practices
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has accused two abortion pill companies, Choices Women’s Medical Center, Inc. and Aid Access, of violating the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (ADTPA). The companies are alleged to have advertised abortion pills to Arkansans despite their illegality in the state.
Abortion Restrictions in Arkansas
Abortions are generally prohibited in Arkansas, with exceptions only in cases of rape, incest, or to protect the life of the mother. Griffin emphasized that abortion pills cannot be legally shipped to or used by Arkansans.
Verification of Violations
Griffin’s office conducted an investigation and verified that both companies were advertising abortion pills to Arkansans, violating Arkansas laws. The companies were given 14 days to cease and desist all such advertising or face potential lawsuits.
Enforcement Actions
Griffin stated that his office will enforce the ADTPA and seek civil penalties of $10,000 per violation. The companies were required to notify Griffin in writing within 14 days of the steps taken to comply with the letters.
Companies’ Response
The companies have not yet publicly commented on the cease and desist letters. They have until the end of the 14-day period to respond and take corrective actions.
Conclusion
Arkansas’s crackdown on abortion pill companies is part of a broader effort to restrict access to abortion in the state. The outcome of this case will have implications for the availability of abortion services in Arkansas and potentially beyond. It remains to be seen how the companies will respond and whether they will face any legal consequences.