Rep. Judy Chu Condemns Louisiana’s Attempt to Criminalize Abortion Care and Target California Doctors

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In response to Louisiana's indictmentof a California doctor for providing abortion medication and its attempt to force extradition across state lines, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) issued the following statement:

"This is a dangerous escalation in the Republican campaign to end abortion everywhere," said Rep. Chu. "Louisiana is trying to criminalize doctors in California for providing safe, legal health care that is protected under our state's laws. That is an outrageous abuse of power.

"Abortion medication is FDA-approved, overwhelmingly safe, and used by millions of women nationwide. What truly puts women at risk is Louisiana's extreme abortion ban, and now, its attempt to intimidate doctors nationwide by threatening them with prison sentences.

"This is not about patient safety. It is about exporting an extremist agenda beyond state borders and punishing providers for defying it. I support Governor Gavin Newsom's decisionto reject Louisiana's extradition request and uphold California's abortion shield laws. California will not be complicit in attacks on doctors or patients.

"I will continue fighting in Congress to pass my bill, the Women's Health Protection Act, which would restore the right to abortion care nationwide, ensuring that no provider is treated like a criminal and no patient is denied care because of where they live or who is in power."