California refuses to extradite doctor over abortion pill: ‘Not today. Not ever’

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Carter ShermanJanuary 15, 2026 at 05:02 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

California Governor Gavin Newsom has refused Louisiana's request to extradite Dr. Remy Coeytaux, who is accused of mailing abortion pills to a woman in Louisiana in October 2023. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill seeks to prosecute Coeytaux for violating the state's ban on abortion by providing abortion-inducing drugs through Aid Access, an organization that mails abortion pills nationwide. Newsom cited California's "shield law," designed to protect abortion providers from out-of-state prosecution, as the reason for denying the extradition. Murrill condemned California's decision, alleging it protects illegal and unethical conduct. The case follows a separate Louisiana proceeding involving a woman who claimed her boyfriend coerced her into taking abortion pills obtained through Aid Access, though it is unclear if the two cases are related.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Rosalie Markezich ×240% Roe v Wade 60% Aid Access ×370% Remy Coeytaux ×580% Liz Murrill ×380% Gavin Newsom ×290% Louisiana ×790% California ×590%

Keywords

abortion pills 100% extradition 90% reproductive health care 80% shield laws 70% aid access 60% gavin newsom 60% criminal abortion 50% roe v wade 50% liz murrill 40%