Abortion pill mifepristone legality likely headed to Supreme Court

The legality of the abortion pill mifepristone is likely headed to the Supreme Court. The drug, also known as RU-486, is used in medication abortions, which account for about 40% of all abortions in the US. The current regulations around the drug require patients to pick it up in person at a medical facility, despite the availability of telemedicine options. Advocates for abortion rights argue that this requirement is outdated and unnecessary. In July 2020, a lower court ruled to suspend the in-person requirement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Supreme Court later reinstated it.

Supporters of the in-person requirement say it is necessary to ensure the safe use of the drug and prevent it from being misused or distributed unlawfully. They also argue that allowing the drug to be prescribed remotely would make it easier for women to obtain it without proper medical supervision. Opponents of the requirement argue that it creates unnecessary barriers to accessing abortion care, especially for those in rural or remote areas where healthcare providers may be scarce or far away.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and several other medical organizations have spoken out in favor of removing the in-person requirement for mifepristone. They argue that the drug has been proven to be safe and effective for medication abortions, and that requiring patients to pick it up in person is not necessary for their health or safety.

If the Supreme Court takes up the issue, it will likely face another contentious abortion-related case. The court’s current conservative majority could use the case to further restrict access to abortion, which they have shown a willingness to do in recent decisions. However, the court could also use the case to affirm the right to access medication abortion, which would be a significant victory for abortion rights advocates.

Overall, the legality of mifepristone and the in-person requirement is a highly controversial issue that has implications for access to abortion care across the country. Many advocates are hopeful that the Supreme Court will rule in favor of removing the requirement and ensuring that medication abortion remains a safe and accessible option for those who need it. However, the outcome of a potential Supreme Court case is far from certain, and could have major consequences for both women’s healthcare and abortion rights more broadly.



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