Warns Against Government Intrusion into Donor Privacy and Pro-Life Advocacy

WASHINGTON — National Right to Life today commended the U.S. Supreme Court for taking up First Choice Women’s Resource Centers v. Platkin, a case that strikes at the heart of Americans’ constitutional freedoms of speech and association. The case arises from an attempt by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin to compel First Choice Women’s Resource Centers—a longstanding, life-affirming charity—to disclose the private donor information associated with nearly 5,000 individual contributions.

“No government official needs to know which charitable organizations Americans support, and no attorney general should be allowed to misuse state power to intimidate or harass pro-life groups,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “Forcing disclosure of donor information has been used throughout history as a political weapon. This kind of government overreach chills free speech, threatens the safety and privacy of donors, and diverts vital resources away from helping women and saving lives.”

Attorney General Platkin’s demand echoes troubling historical precedents in which compelled disclosure was used to punish dissenting viewpoints. Even the threat of compelled disclosure is enough to deter Americans from joining, supporting, or donating to causes they believe in. This violates the core constitutional protections that ensure that any viewpoint—such as the core belief in the right to life held by pro-life Americans—cannot be silenced by government intimidation or public pressure campaigns.

“Political disagreements must never become an excuse to weaponize the investigative power of the state,” Tobias added. “If officials can rummage through the private records of a pregnancy help center without cause, then no nonprofit—regardless of its mission—will be safe.”

Founded in 1968, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of affiliates in each of the 50 states, is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia.

WASHINGTON — National Right to Life today called on Members of Congress to firmly reject attempts by abortion advocacy groups to pressure lawmakers into abandoning efforts to protect taxpayer dollars from subsidizing elective abortion through Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans.

“For decades, federal policy has been clear: taxpayers should not be forced to fund or subsidize abortion,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “Attempts to undermine that consensus are deeply out of step with the values of the American people.”

Despite claims by pro-abortion groups such as Planned Parenthood and Reproductive Freedom for All that current law fully safeguards taxpayer dollars, the ACA’s structure circumvents the traditional Hyde Amendment protections that apply to most federal healthcare programs. For more than four decades, Hyde protections have represented a durable, bipartisan agreement: taxpayer dollars should not be used to pay for or promote elective abortion. Under Section 1303 of the ACA, insurers participating in the Marketplace may include abortion coverage in subsidized plans as long as they engage in a bookkeeping exercise that “segregates” funds. In practice, this mechanism has proven opaque, inconsistently enforced, and insufficient to ensure that public funding and abortion coverage remain meaningfully separate.

“For years, federal watchdogs have warned that the ACA’s segregation scheme lacks transparency, accountability, and reliable oversight,” Tobias continued. “The American public deserves better than a paper barrier that does little to ensure that their tax dollars are not supporting unlimited abortion.”

Pro-life lawmakers have repeatedly sought to ensure that ACA Marketplace subsidies mirror the same Hyde-like protections that govern Medicaid, federal employee health plans, and other major healthcare programs. These provisions do not restrict anyone’s ability to purchase abortion coverage with private funds, but they do prevent taxpayers from subsidizing plans.

Current proposals in Congress would simply restore this widely supported framework. Contrary to the claims of abortion advocacy groups, these efforts do not “create chaos,” or “eliminate coverage.” They restore clarity, consistency, and integrity to federal policy.

“Comparing basic taxpayer protections to ‘chaos’ is a cynical attempt to bully lawmakers into ignoring their constituents and the clear moral and policy concerns at stake,” said Tobias. “Congress has a clear mandate to ensure that taxpayer funds are used responsibly and in accordance with longstanding federal policy.”

Founded in 1968, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of affiliates in each of the 50 states, is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia.

WASHINGTON —The federal government has reopened following President Trump’s signing of a bipartisan spending package passed by Congress. The action ends the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

Last night, the House of Representatives voted 222 to 209 to give final approval to the funding measure. The Senate began clearing the way on Monday, when eight Senate Democrats crossed party lines in a vote that opened the door for the government to resume operations. Their votes came with a promise from Senate leadership to allow a future vote on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies—which currently reimburse insurance plans that include elective abortion.

“For weeks, a majority of Democratic lawmakers were willing to keep the federal government closed in order to protect federal funding streams that benefit abortionists,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “During that time, federal employees went without pay, SNAP benefits were halted, and essential services were disrupted.”

Tobias continued, “The vast majority of Americans oppose having their tax dollars used to pay for abortions. Yet many Democrats were willing to disrupt our economy, keep food from families, and leave our transportation system uncertain—all to prioritize the interests of the abortion industry over the needs of the American people.”

Last week, National Right to Life sent a letter to every member of Congress reiterating strong opposition to any extension of ACA subsidies unless Hyde-like protections are restored. Unlike longstanding federal healthcare programs, the ACA was structured to circumvent the traditional Hyde Amendment protections that prevent taxpayer funds from subsidizing abortion. For more than four decades, Hyde protections have represented a durable, bipartisan agreement: taxpayer dollars should not be used to pay for or promote elective abortion. 

Founded in 1968, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of affiliates in each of the 50 states, is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia.

WASHINGTON — In a move that underscores the growing disregard for the lives of the most vulnerable, the Illinois State Senate quietly passed legislation in the early hours of Friday morning to legalize assisted suicide. The measure, Senate Bill 1950, passed by the narrowest of margins—30 to 27, with two senators not voting—during a late-night veto session.

“Under the cover of darkness, Illinois lawmakers chose to advance a policy that endangers the elderly, those with disabilities, and individuals struggling with depression or terminal illness,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “Assisted suicide is not compassion—it’s abandonment. Illinois residents deserve laws that protect vulnerable people, not ones that pressure them toward an early death.” 

In a procedural maneuver that has drawn criticism, supporters in the House advanced SB 1950 by gutting an unrelated food safety bill that had previously passed the Senate and replacing it with language to legalize assisted suicide. 

“When states legalize assisted suicide, safeguards quickly erode, and the so-called ‘right to die’ becomes a duty to die,” continued Tobias. “The people of Illinois have every reason to be alarmed. Governor Pritzker should veto this bill and support true compassionate care for those facing serious illness.” 

The bill, which cleared the Illinois House in the spring, now heads to Democrat Governor J.B. Pritzker for his consideration. 

Founded in 1968, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of affiliates in each of the 50 states, is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia.

WASHINGTON — National Right to Life today commended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for securing a significant appellate court victory against Yelp, Inc., after the California-based company attempted to mislead Texas users seeking life-affirming help and resources. 

“Attorney General Paxton’s victory is a win for truth,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “For too long, pro-life pregnancy centers have been targeted by powerful corporations that want to silence their work and smear their reputation. These centers offer free, life-affirming care to women and families—services that deserve respect, not censorship.” 

Tobias continued, “We thank AG Paxton for his diligence in holding Yelp accountable. Online platforms have a responsibility to present accurate information, not manipulate it to promote an abortion agenda. This ruling affirms that no company is above the law, no matter where they are based.”

The Texas Attorney General’s Office brought suit against Yelp after it was revealed that the company had placed misleading disclaimers on the listings of pro-life pregnancy centers—centers that provide women and families with compassionate care, practical assistance, and real alternatives to abortion.

“This case sends a clear message,” Tobias concluded. “Attempts to mislead the public or discredit pro-life help centers will not go unanswered. National Right to Life stands with Attorney General Paxton and every official who works to ensure that women receive accurate information and compassionate care.”

The Fifteenth Court of Appeals reversed a lower court’s dismissal, ruling that businesses—including online platforms like Yelp—that target Texas consumers can be held accountable under Texas law. The court’s decision clears the way for the case against Yelp to proceed.

The court opinion can be found here.

Founded in 1968, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of affiliates in each of the 50 states, is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia.

WASHINGTON — On Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, following regulatory law, approved a new drug application for another generic version of the abortion drug mifepristone.

Under the Hatch-Waxman Act, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is legally required to approve a generic drug application (ANDA) if it meets all statutory and regulatory requirements.

“We must confront the reality of chemical abortion drugs,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “While the law compels FDA approval of generics when requirements are met, the agency has a duty to safeguard public health through rigorous review and honest reporting.” 

According to recent data, over a period of more than a decade, the FDA received thousands of reports of serious side effects, including severe blood loss requiring emergency transfusions. A review launched by the Department of Health and Human Services under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary is now underway to determine whether the existing regulatory framework for mifepristone is adequate.

“Mifepristone is the only drug on the market that was created to take lives,” said Tobias. “Lives are at stake—not only the lives of the unborn children these drugs are designed to end, but also the women placed at risk by incomplete data and inadequate oversight.”

NRLC recently released a white paper, “Why Abortion Pill Complications Are Underreported” (September 2025), which highlights significant gaps in oversight and reporting. The paper reveals how adverse events such as hemorrhage, infection, and incomplete abortions often go unrecorded in official data, giving the public a misleading picture of safety.

The white paper can be accessed here.

Founded in 1968, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of affiliates in each of the 50 states, is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia.

WASHINGTON — The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the nation’s oldest and largest pro-life organization, together with its Idaho affiliate, Right to Life of Idaho (RLI), today announced formal objections to subpoenas issued in Matsumoto et al. v. Labrador, Case No. 1:23-cv-00323-DKG.

The subpoenas, served on September 12, 2025, demanded wide-ranging internal communications and advocacy documents related to Idaho House Bills 242 and 98—legislation addressing Abortion Trafficking that passed in Idaho. Represented by The Bopp Law Firm, NRLC and RLI filed objections on October 2, 2025, citing First Amendment protections, lack of relevance, and undue burden.

“Compelling disclosure of our advocacy communications would have a chilling effect on the ability of NRLC and our affiliates to freely associate, strategize, and advocate for the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “The Constitution protects organizations like ours from being forced to hand over internal documents to political opponents.”

The objections emphasize three key points:

1. First Amendment Privilege — Forcing disclosure of advocacy communications violates the constitutional rights of association and expression, creating a deterrent effect on participation in pro-life organizations.

2. Lack of Relevance — NRLC’s and RLI’s internal documents have no bearing on the legal claims in Matsumoto, which challenge Idaho’s abortion trafficking law on due process and travel rights grounds. A private entity’s understanding and interpretation of a law does not play a part in the judicial construction of a law.

3. Overbreadth and Undue Burden — The subpoenas improperly demand “all documents” relating to broad categories of legislation, with no reasonable limits, including an arbitrary period dating back to 2021—well before the introduction of the bills at issue.

“The law is clear: advocacy organizations cannot be compelled to turn over their strategy sessions and internal communications simply because their opponents wish to gain an advantage in court,” said James Bopp, Jr., general counsel for National Right to Life. “The subpoenas go far beyond what is permissible and strike at the heart of constitutionally protected activity.”

The letter outlining the objections to the subpoenas can be found here. 

Founded in 1968, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of affiliates in each of the 50 states, is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia.

WASHINGTON — National Right to Life (NRLC) applauds Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Marty Makary, Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, for an upcoming safety review of mifepristone, a drug that has caused serious complications and posed risks to women for too long.

In a letter sent earlier this year, NRLC urged FDA Commissioner Makary to take decisive action to protect women and unborn children from dangerous chemical abortions. This letter emphasized that the FDA’s loosened rules have caused critical safety issues.

“For years, the abortion industry has downplayed the dangers of mifepristone, ignoring the thousands of women who have suffered serious complications and the children whose lives are ended by this drug,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “Women are being told these pills are as safe as Tylenol—nothing could be further from the truth. This is a reckless experiment on women’s bodies and their unborn children.” 

Tobias continued, “Each abortion takes the life of a preborn child and places her mother at risk. Women aborting at home are also more likely to be traumatized when they realize that they aborted a living child and not just ‘tissue’ or ‘products of conception’ as the abortion industry claims.”

According to recent data, over a period of more than a decade, the FDA received thousands of reports of serious side effects, including severe blood loss requiring emergency transfusions. A review launched by the Department of Health and Human Services under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Commissioner Makary is now underway to determine whether the existing regulatory framework for mifepristone is adequate.

“Tragically, we know of at least 36 women who have died after taking abortion pills,” said Tobias. “How many more have been irreparably harmed or traumatized by an abortion?”

MISSED, MISCLASSIFIED, AND MINIMIZED: Why Abortion Pill Complications Are Underreported is National Right to Life’s most recent report. It covers why stories of women suffering from serious complications following the use of abortion pills aren’t known and haven’t been more widely publicized.

Founded in 1968, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of affiliates in each of the 50 states, is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, and euthanasi

WASHINGTON — National Right to Life has released a new report, Missed, Misclassified, and Minimized: Why Abortion Pill Complications Are Underreported, by Randall K. O’Bannon, Ph.D., National Right to Life Director of Education and Research. The findings highlight the reasons why serious complications from chemical abortions are often underreported or misreported.

“The abortion pill is being sold as safe, but independent data tell another story,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “Women are being harmed, and the dangers are being ignored or hidden.” 

The report highlights three major reasons for underreporting:

• Women are told to conceal complications. Abortion pill providers encourage women to present their symptoms as miscarriages, leaving doctors without critical information and skewing medical records.
• A lack of curiosity in the media. Reporters frequently repeat abortion industry talking points while ignoring data and women’s very real stories.
• Abortion industry spin. Complications such as hemorrhage, failed abortions, and infections are often recategorized as “minor,” masking the true risks.

“Abortion industry spin makes mifepristone abortions sound easy, but the truth is each abortion takes the life of a living preborn child and places the woman in danger,” said Tobias.

Since its approval, the FDA has documented at least 36 deaths and thousands of complications linked to the abortion pill. With weaker federal reporting requirements in place since 2016, National Right to Life warns that the real toll is likely far higher.

“Assertions of safety based on flawed or slanted industry studies are not good enough,” stated report author, Dr. O’Bannon. “The public—and policymakers—deserve accurate, transparent reporting on the dangers of chemical abortion.”

The full report is available here.

Founded in 1968, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of affiliates in each of the 50 states, is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia.

WASHINGTON — National Right to Life commends Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) for taking the extraordinary step of decertifying a troubled organ procurement organization in South Florida after years of alleged serious deficiencies.

“Every human life has dignity, and no institution entrusted with human lives should ever put that trust at risk,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “Protecting life extends to every stage of life and especially to our most vulnerable. We are grateful to Secretary Kennedy for demonstrating leadership and integrity on an issue of such moral importance.” 

Secretary Kennedy’s actions follow a report by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) that HHS released in July. HRSA reviewed 351 cases where the organ donation was “authorized, but ultimately not completed,” and found 73 patients exhibited neurological activity and at least 28 cases where organ retrieval began before legal death was established.

A July 20 New York Times report highlighted cases under donation‑after‑circulatory‑death (DCD), in which patients appeared to have regained consciousness while being prepared for organ harvest—even undergoing incision—before procedures were halted.

Founded in 1968, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of affiliates in each of the 50 states, is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia.

WASHINGTON — National Right to Life today approved of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) move to defund research projects using fetal tissue.

“This is a long‐overdue step in the right direction,” said Carol Tobias, President of National Right to Life. “Every human being, born or unborn, has inherent dignity, and the use of aborted fetal tissue in research raises profound ethical issues. We applaud NIH for choosing not to renew these grants and for making a public affirmation that federal funding should reflect respect for human life.” 

During President Trump’s first term, he banned new funding for research involving fetal tissue. This policy was reversed under the Biden administration.

NIH said it will not renew the 17 grants that were initiated under the Biden administration. The grants were funding research using human fetal tissue obtained from abortions and, collectively, the grants were worth nearly $22 million in FY 2024.

NIH said that its policy going forward will align with what the NIH describes as a commitment to valuing human life and ensuring that taxpayer‐funded research is conducted “responsibly and transparently.”

Founded in 1968, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of affiliates in each of the 50 states, is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia.

WASHINGTON — National Right to Life welcomes today’s ruling by a federal appellate court that lifts the injunction blocking the provision of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” which defunds major abortion providers. The provision prevents abortion providers—most notably Planned Parenthood—from receiving Medicaid funds if they exceed certain thresholds.

Today’s decision restores Congress’s ability to ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to subsidize the abortion industry.

“This ruling is a victory for unborn children and for taxpayers,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “No organization has a constitutional right to federal funds—especially when those funds enable the taking of innocent human life. With this decision, the courts respect the will of the people, through their elected representatives, that taxpayer dollars should not support an industry built on taking the lives of unborn babies.”

The One Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law on July 4th by President Donald J. Trump, includes critical provisions that halt the use of taxpayer dollars to subsidize the abortion industry. It passed narrowly in Congress after a strong show of resolve from pro-life lawmakers.

Following passage, a U.S. District Judge had issued a preliminary injunction, blocking the law from going into effect, arguing constitutional concerns. The appellate court’s decision to unblock the defunding provision affirms that legislative decisions—including those pertaining to the use of public funds—must be respected.

“Today’s First Circuit ruling reinforces a basic moral boundary: taxpayer dollars should not bankroll abortion,” said Tobias. “We are encouraged that the rule of law has held firm in this matter.”

Founded in 1968, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of affiliates in each of the 50 states, is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia.

WASHINGTON – National Right to Life mourns the loss of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk who was killed while speaking on a college campus.

The following is a statement from Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life:

We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Charlie Kirk. Charlie was a bold and passionate voice for the unborn, unafraid to speak truth in defense of the most vulnerable members of our human family. His commitment to the cause of life inspired countless Americans, particularly young people, to stand up and be advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves. His absence will be profoundly felt, but his legacy of courage and conviction will continue to strengthen and encourage the pro-life movement for years to come.

National Right to Life extends its deepest sympathies to Charlie Kirk’s family, friends, and the countless lives he touched.

Founded in 1968, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of affiliates in each of the 50 states, is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide and euthanasia.

WASHINGTON – National Right to Life today mourned the passing of Dr. James Dobson, the founder of both Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council. Dr. Dobson was a powerful and compassionate advocate for life whose leadership left an indelible mark on the pro-life movement.

In response to his passing, Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life stated, “The contributions of Dr. James Dobson to the pro-life movement cannot be overstated. He was a steadfast defender of the right to life and a highly respected leader whose voice carried great influence. With clarity and conviction, Dr. Dobson consistently affirmed the dignity of every human being and called upon the pro-life movement to remain unwavering in its commitment to protect the most vulnerable among us. His enduring legacy will continue to shape and strengthen the defense of life for generations.”

In 1990, Dr. Dobson addressed over 700,000 thousand attendees at National Right to Life’s Rally for Life, urging the movement to remain steadfast in its mission. His words then—and throughout his decades of service—reminded pro-life Americans that persistence, faith, and courage were essential to protecting the unborn.

“Dr. Dobson’s voice and vision gave encouragement to countless pro-life leaders, families, and everyday Americans who believed that every child deserves a chance at life,” Tobias added. “We grieve his passing, but we also celebrate a life lived with purpose, conviction, and unwavering dedication to the cause of life.”

National Right to Life extends its deepest sympathies to Dr. Dobson’s family, friends, and the countless lives he touched through his decades of faithful service.

Founded in 1968, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of affiliates in each of the 50 states, is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide and euthanasia.