Texas DA Drops Murder Charge Against Person who Self Managed Abortion

For Immediate Release: April 10, 2022
Media Contacts: press@prochoice.org; 202-918-7768

Today, a Texas district attorney announced the murder charges against a Texas woman who self-managed an abortion will be dropped.  

Statement from Melissa Fowler, National Abortion Federation’s Chief Program Officer:

“We are relieved that the state of Texas is not pressing charges against Lizelle Herrera; however, she should have never been arrested in the first place. Self-managed abortion is not a crime, and neither is losing a pregnancy for any reason. While this particular case has been resolved, we fear that stories like this will only become more common, with states around the country actively criminalizing those seeking or providing abortion care. 

Everyone deserves to receive the reproductive health care that is right for them without the fear of arrest. Unfortunately, this is no longer the reality. The recent rash of state bills attacking abortion access threaten people’s health, livelihoods, and ability to care for themselves and their communities. 

The National Abortion Federation works to ensure everyone has access to the full range of reproductive health options, no matter their address or income. NAF and our members will continue to help Texas residents and those around the region access care quickly and safely even if that means helping patients find providers outside the state and assisting with their travel, if their life circumstances allow it. If you are in Texas and need help finding an abortion provider, call the NAF Hotline at 1-800-772-9100.”