Latest news with #WestVirginians
The Hill
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Hill
Appeals court upholds West Virginia's medication abortion ban
A divided federal appeals court panel on Tuesday upheld West Virginia's ban on medication abortion, ruling that the law does not conflict with the Food and Drug Administration's ability to regulate the drug. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit dismissed mifepristone manufacturer GenBioPro's effort to strike down West Virginia's near-total abortion ban in a 2-1 decision. The court ruled FDA's approval of mifepristone did not preempt West Virginia's law. GenBioPro produces a majority of the mifepristone sold in the United States, and has held FDA approval for generic mifepristone since 2019. GenBioPro argued that FDA's authority to impose regulations on the prescription and distribution of mifepristone superseded state efforts to restrict access to medications. A lower court ruled against the company, which then appealed the decision. Circuit Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson wrote that a 2007 federal law 'leaves the states free to adopt or diverge from West Virginia's path' and it 'falls well short of expressing a clear intention to displace the states' historic and sovereign right to protect the health and safety of their citizens.' The ruling is the first time a federal appeals court has said states can restrict use of mifepristone. Twenty-eight states restrict access to medication abortions, according to the reproductive health nonprofit Guttmacher Institute. The Supreme Court upheld access to mifepristone last year, when it unanimously dismissed a lawsuit seeking to roll back changes FDA made in 2016 and 2021 to expand access. 'We respect the fact that appellant and some amici have argued that access to mifepristone is important to the health of women in the course of their reproductive choices,' Wilkinson wrote. 'Our objection is not to the substance of this point, but to the venue in which it is advanced.' Wilkinson was appointed by President Reagan. He was joined by U.S. District Judge Rossie Alston, an appointee of President Trump. 'The court is allowing the state to continue putting those seeking medication abortion care in harm's way,' GenBioPro CEO Evan Masingill said in a statement. 'The panel's ruling allows states to restrict access to medications that FDA has deemed safe and effective, threatening a dangerous ripple effect on the availability of essential medications in this country. As we have always made clear, GenBioPro will not stop fighting to ensure all people can access safe, evidence-based healthcare.' West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R) said in a statement he was 'proud to see a victory in this case.' 'West Virginia can continue to enforce our pro-life laws and lead the nation in our efforts to protect life. We will always be a pro-life state!' he said. In a dissent, Circuit Judge DeAndrea Gist Benjamin said the state's law 'erects barriers to life-saving healthcare for countless West Virginians in ways not envisioned by Congress.' Benjamin, who was appointed by former President Biden, added that 'the twin sensitivities of abortion access and states' rights cannot influence our willingness to recognize the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) clear authority in this area.' 'By criminalizing medical providers and prohibiting medication abortions, then, West Virginia has exceeded the ability to regulate abortion as established in Dobbs and has trespassed on the FDA's authority to regulate the safe use of and unburdened access to mifepristone,' Benjamin wrote.
Hamilton Spectator
15-07-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
US appeals court upholds West Virginia restriction on abortion pill sales
CHARLESTON, (AP) — A federal appeals court on Tuesday upheld a lower court's decision to restrict abortion pill sales in West Virginia. A three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, affirmed a ruling by a U.S. district judge in 2023 despite federal regulators' approval of the abortion pill as a safe and effective medication. Most Republican-controlled states have enacted or adopted abortion bans of some kind, including restricting abortion pills by default, since the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 overturned Roe v. Wade , the 1973 ruling that provided nationwide access to abortion. All have been challenged in court. The Supreme Court ruled in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. U.S. District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers had ruled that the near-total abortion ban signed by then-Republican Gov. Jim Justice in September 2022 took precedence over approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 'For us to once again federalize the issue of abortion without a clear directive from Congress, right on the heels of Dobbs, would leave us one small step short of defiance,' 4th Circuit Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III wrote for the court. 'One can of course agree or disagree with the Dobbs decision. But that is not the point,' Wilkinson said. 'At a time when the rule of law is under blunt assault, disregarding the Supreme Court is not an option.' West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey, who took office in January, had defended challenges to the abortion law when he served as attorney general. 'Big win out of the 4th Circuit today,' Morrisey said in a statement. GenBioPro Inc., the country's only manufacturer of a generic version of the abortion pill mifepristone, had argued that the state cannot block access to a FDA-approved drug. Chambers had dismissed the majority of GenBioPro's challenges, finding there is 'no disputing that health, medicine, and medical licensure are traditional areas of state authority.' Appeals judge DeAndrea Gist Benjamin concurred and dissented in part Tuesday, calling it a 'troubling opinion.' 'Put plainly, this law erects barriers to life-saving healthcare for countless West Virginians in ways not envisioned by Congress,' Benjamin wrote. Not at issue in the appeal was a challenge by GenBioPro concerning a separate West Virginia law that stopped providers from prescribing mifepristone by telehealth. Chambers had allowed that challenge to proceed. The U.S. Supreme Court last year unanimously preserved access to mifepristone , which is used in nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the U.S. in 2023.
San Francisco Chronicle
15-07-2025
- Health
- San Francisco Chronicle
US appeals court upholds West Virginia restriction on abortion pill sales
CHARLESTON, (AP) — A federal appeals court on Tuesday upheld a lower court's decision to restrict abortion pill sales in West Virginia. A three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, affirmed a ruling by a U.S. district judge in 2023 despite federal regulators' approval of the abortion pill as a safe and effective medication. Most Republican-controlled states have enacted or adopted abortion bans of some kind, including restricting abortion pills by default, since the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that provided nationwide access to abortion. All have been challenged in court. The Supreme Court ruled in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. U.S. District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers had ruled that the near-total abortion ban signed by then-Republican Gov. Jim Justice in September 2022 took precedence over approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "For us to once again federalize the issue of abortion without a clear directive from Congress, right on the heels of Dobbs, would leave us one small step short of defiance," 4th Circuit Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III wrote for the court. 'One can of course agree or disagree with the Dobbs decision. But that is not the point,' Wilkinson said. 'At a time when the rule of law is under blunt assault, disregarding the Supreme Court is not an option.' West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey, who took office in January, had defended challenges to the abortion law when he served as attorney general. "Big win out of the 4th Circuit today,' Morrisey said in a statement. GenBioPro Inc., the country's only manufacturer of a generic version of the abortion pill mifepristone, had argued that the state cannot block access to a FDA-approved drug. Chambers had dismissed the majority of GenBioPro's challenges, finding there is 'no disputing that health, medicine, and medical licensure are traditional areas of state authority.' Appeals judge DeAndrea Gist Benjamin concurred and dissented in part Tuesday, calling it a 'troubling opinion.' 'Put plainly, this law erects barriers to life-saving healthcare for countless West Virginians in ways not envisioned by Congress,' Benjamin wrote. Not at issue in the appeal was a challenge by GenBioPro concerning a separate West Virginia law that stopped providers from prescribing mifepristone by telehealth. Chambers had allowed that challenge to proceed. The U.S. Supreme Court last year unanimously preserved access to mifepristone, which is used in nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the U.S. in 2023.
Winnipeg Free Press
15-07-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
US appeals court upholds West Virginia restriction on abortion pill sales
CHARLESTON, (AP) — A federal appeals court on Tuesday upheld a lower court's decision to restrict abortion pill sales in West Virginia. A three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, affirmed a ruling by a U.S. district judge in 2023 despite federal regulators' approval of the abortion pill as a safe and effective medication. Most Republican-controlled states have enacted or adopted abortion bans of some kind, including restricting abortion pills by default, since the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that provided nationwide access to abortion. All have been challenged in court. The Supreme Court ruled in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. U.S. District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers had ruled that the near-total abortion ban signed by then-Republican Gov. Jim Justice in September 2022 took precedence over approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 'For us to once again federalize the issue of abortion without a clear directive from Congress, right on the heels of Dobbs, would leave us one small step short of defiance,' 4th Circuit Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III wrote for the court. 'One can of course agree or disagree with the Dobbs decision. But that is not the point,' Wilkinson said. 'At a time when the rule of law is under blunt assault, disregarding the Supreme Court is not an option.' West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey, who took office in January, had defended challenges to the abortion law when he served as attorney general. Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. 'Big win out of the 4th Circuit today,' Morrisey said in a statement. GenBioPro Inc., the country's only manufacturer of a generic version of the abortion pill mifepristone, had argued that the state cannot block access to a FDA-approved drug. Chambers had dismissed the majority of GenBioPro's challenges, finding there is 'no disputing that health, medicine, and medical licensure are traditional areas of state authority.' Appeals judge DeAndrea Gist Benjamin concurred and dissented in part Tuesday, calling it a 'troubling opinion.' 'Put plainly, this law erects barriers to life-saving healthcare for countless West Virginians in ways not envisioned by Congress,' Benjamin wrote. Not at issue in the appeal was a challenge by GenBioPro concerning a separate West Virginia law that stopped providers from prescribing mifepristone by telehealth. Chambers had allowed that challenge to proceed. The U.S. Supreme Court last year unanimously preserved access to mifepristone, which is used in nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the U.S. in 2023.
Cision Canada
11-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Trulieve Partners with Redemption Cannabis to Launch Purpose Led Products in West Virginia
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., July 11, 2025 /CNW/ -- Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) ("Trulieve" or "the Company"), a leading and top-performing cannabis company in the U.S., today announced the launch of Redemption Cannabis products at Trulieve dispensaries in West Virginia. Redemption Cannabis, founded by industry advocate Ryan Basore, reinvests a portion of every sale to support individuals and families impacted by cannabis prohibition laws. Redemption's mission stems from Basore's commitment to justice after he served time in federal prison on cannabis-related charges. Redemption's flower will be available in Trulieve dispensaries throughout West Virginia starting Friday, July 11. "Partnering with Trulieve allows us to bring Redemption products to new markets like West Virginia, a place that holds deep personal significance for me," said Ryan Basore, founder of Redemption Cannabis. "Returning to Morgantown, where I was once incarcerated, represents a full-circle moment. It's about reaching more people with a brand that stands for those impacted by cannabis prohibition." In bringing Redemption Cannabis to West Virginia, Trulieve proudly supports a company founded on reform and second chances. "Ryan turned his personal story into a purpose-driven brand," said Trulieve's Chief Executive Officer Kim Rivers. "Trulieve is proud to partner with Redemption to offer West Virginians high-quality products that stand for meaningful change." For more information on Redemption Cannabis, please visit Visit to find store locations, sign up for updates and shop for products online. About Redemption Cannabis Redemption Cannabis is a Michigan-based brand founded by industry advocate Ryan Basore. The company offers high-quality, affordable cannabis while supporting individuals and families affected by cannabis criminalization. A portion of every sale supports The Redemption Foundation and its Commissary Program, which provides financial assistance for phone time, hygiene items, and other essentials to those incarcerated for non-violent cannabis offenses. Rooted in advocacy, Redemption advances opportunity, equity, and justice in the cannabis industry. Learn more at About Trulieve Trulieve is an industry leading, vertically integrated cannabis company and multi-state operator in the U.S., with leading market positions in Arizona, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Trulieve is poised for accelerated growth and expansion, building scale in retail and distribution in new and existing markets through its hub strategy. By providing innovative, high-quality products across its brand portfolio, Trulieve delivers optimal customer experiences and increases access to cannabis, helping patients and customers to live without limits. Trulieve is listed on the CSE under the symbol TRUL and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol TCNNF. For more information, please visit Facebook: @Trulieve Instagram: @Trulieve X: @Trulieve Investor Contact Christine Hersey, Vice President of Investor Relations +1 (424) 202-0210 [email protected] Media Contact Phil Buck, APR, Corporate Communications Manager +1 (406) 370-6226 [email protected] SOURCE Trulieve Cannabis Corp.
