Press Release National
Press Release
Ahead of Tonight’s Debate: Steve Hilton Will Allow the Criminalization of Doctors Who Provide Reproductive Healthcare
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Contact: [email protected]
Ahead of Tonight’s Debate: Steve Hilton Will Allow the Criminalization of Doctors Who Provide Reproductive Healthcare
Washington, DC — Ahead of tonight’s California gubernatorial debate, Reproductive Freedom for All is once again condemning Steve Hilton’s dangerous comments saying he would allow Louisiana to extradite a Bay Area abortion provider to face charges if he’s elected. Last month, Donald Trump endorsed Hilton’s campaign.
Earlier this year, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry ordered the extradition of a California doctor accused of providing abortion medication to a Louisiana patient. California Gov. Gavin Newsom rejected Louisiana’s request, utilizing California’s shield law to protect a provider who delivered care that is legal in California.
Reproductive Freedom for All President and CEO Mini Timmaraju released the following statement:
“Steve Hilton is an extremist who will open the door to anti-abortion states reaching into California to prosecute doctors in their courts. At a moment when abortion is being attacked at all fronts, we need governors who will defend and protect medical professionals who are at the frontlines of providing care. California deserves a leader who will put Californians first, not one who answers to anti-abortion states trying to criminalize providers. That’s why Reproductive Freedom for All is calling on tonight’s debate hosts to ask Hilton about his comments calling for the extradition of a California doctor who provides abortion care.”
Late last week, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit sided with anti-abortion extremists and reinstated a medically unnecessary, nationwide in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone. The ruling took effect immediately in every state, including states like California, where abortion is legal and protected. Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily restored telehealth/mail mifepristone access, but only until May 11, while the Court reviews the emergency appeals.
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For over 55 years, Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America) has fought to protect and advance reproductive freedom at the federal and state levels—including access to abortion care, birth control, pregnancy and post-partum care, and paid family leave—for everybody. Reproductive Freedom for All is powered by its more than 4 million members from every state and congressional district in the country, representing the 8 in 10 Americans who support legal abortion.