Attorney General Ken Paxton has achieved a legal victory against Dr. Margaret Daley Carpenter, a New York-based physician, resulting in a $100,000 penalty and a permanent injunction. The case involved Dr. Carpenter unlawfully supplying abortion-inducing drugs to residents of Texas, contravening state laws.
"In Texas, we will always protect innocent life and uphold the laws that protect mothers and unborn babies," stated Attorney General Paxton. "Radical out-of-state doctors will not be allowed to peddle dangerous and illegal drugs in Texas to kill unborn babies. Any doctor attempting to do so will be punished to the full extent of the law."
The lawsuit was initiated by Attorney General Paxton in December 2024 against Dr. Carpenter, who is also the founder of the Abortion Coalition for Telemedicine. The case concerned her provision of abortion-inducing drugs to a resident of Collin County, Texas, which resulted in the termination of an unborn child and serious health complications for the mother.
Texas legislation prohibits physicians or medical suppliers from distributing abortion-inducing drugs via courier, delivery, or mail service. Additionally, doctors must hold a valid Texas medical license to treat patients or prescribe medication through telehealth services within the state.
The court's decision confirmed that Dr. Carpenter had violated these laws, leading to both financial penalties and a permanent injunction against future violations. This marks the first instance in which a doctor has been held accountable for such actions in a state where these drugs are illegal.