WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Ben Cardin issued the following statement in response to a Texas federal district court ruling that would block access nationwide to mifepristone, a drug used in most medication abortions:

“If allowed to stand, last week’s ruling out of Texas will have sweeping consequences on access to medication abortion. The dangerous precedent overturning the decades-old approval of a medication that has been proven safe and effective threatens access to all types of FDA approved treatments. I am proud that Maryland continues to take steps to expand access to abortion. Courts should not be in the business of restricting rights. I will fight to protect this crucial health care.”