Illinois Man Charged with Homicide After Allegedly Administering Abortion Drug to Girlfriend

An Illinois man faces two counts of intentional homicide of an unborn child after allegedly administering the abortion drug mifepristone to his pregnant girlfriend without her knowledge. Emerson Evans, 25, was arrested following a medical emergency involving the woman on August 25, 2025, in Bloomington, Illinois.

Emergency responders were called to assist the woman, who was approximately seven weeks pregnant. Reports indicate that she suspected Evans had drugged her with mifepristone, which he claimed to have obtained from a source on campus. The drug is typically prescribed to terminate pregnancies and is intended to be taken orally, not vaginally, as the woman reportedly experienced.

Evans later admitted to giving the drug to the woman. He is currently being held in custody and is scheduled for arraignment in early September.

This incident has raised concerns about the accessibility of abortion drugs in Illinois, where Governor J.B. Pritzker has championed reproductive health initiatives. On the same day as the medical emergency, Pritzker signed two bills aimed at expanding access to abortion services. One law enhances legal protections for providers of abortion-related services, while the other mandates that public colleges and universities offer access to professionals who can prescribe contraceptives and abortion drugs.

“We are committed to ensuring that all women have access to the reproductive health care they need,” Pritzker stated in a press release.

Critics, however, argue that the state’s policies may inadvertently contribute to dangerous situations. An April study from the Ethics and Public Policy Institute found that mifepristone is at least 22 times more likely to cause serious adverse medical events than indicated on its label.

In light of this incident, some state leaders are questioning the implications of broad access to abortion drugs. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken action against suppliers mailing abortion pills into states where they are banned. On July 29, he joined 15 other state attorneys general in urging Congress to consider legislation against protective laws in pro-abortion states.

This case is not isolated. In June, a Texas man was accused of spiking his girlfriend’s drink with an abortion drug, leading to the death of their unborn child. Similar allegations have surfaced in other states, raising alarms about the potential for misuse of abortion medications.

Governor Pritzker’s office did not respond to inquiries regarding whether he believes the recent legislative changes are still in the best interest of women in light of the charges against Evans. A 2022 fact sheet from Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul confirmed that women can obtain abortion drugs by mail following an online consultation, and it affirmed the right of minors to access abortion services.

As the legal proceedings against Evans unfold, the case is likely to reignite discussions about abortion access and the responsibilities of those who provide such medications. The balance between reproductive rights and the safety of women remains a contentious issue in Illinois and across the nation.