AG Griffin tells abortion pill companies to stop advertising in Arkansas

(The Center Square) - Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said Tuesday he sent cease and desist letters to two abortion pill companies advertising in the state.

“Abortions are prohibited in Arkansas except under very limited circumstances," Griffin said. "As such, abortion pills may not be legally shipped to Arkansans or brought into the State for use by Arkansans. My office has verified that both Choices Women’s Medical Center, Inc., and Aid Access are advertising the availability of abortion-inducing pills to Arkansans in contravention of our laws."

Choices Women's Medical Center is based in New York, and Aid Access is in the Netherlands, according to Griffin's office.

The companies have 14 days to respond.

“These companies must cease and desist advertising relating to the performance of abortion services in Arkansas immediately or face the possibility of lawsuits from my office," he said.

The legal action could include a fine of up to $10,000 per violation under Arkansas' Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

The Arkansas Legislature passed a bill in 2019 that makes abortion a felony upon the overturn of Roe v. Wade. Once the court case was overturned in 2022, then-Attorney General Leslie Rutledge certified the law.

Performing an abortion in Arkansas carries a fine of up to $100,000, imprisonment for up to 10 years or both.