The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on Tuesday in a case that could profoundly impact access to the abortion pill mifepristone, raising concerns about potential nationwide repercussions and the FDA’s regulatory authority.
This case carries significant weight as it could further restrict abortion access across the United States, while also challenging the FDA’s ability to regulate medication like mifepristone, which has become increasingly utilized for terminating pregnancies in recent years.
With medication abortions comprising a significant portion of all U.S. abortion procedures, accounting for 63% in 2023 according to the Guttmacher Institute, the outcome of this legal battle could shape the future landscape of reproductive healthcare in the country.
At the heart of the matter lies the FDA’s approval of mifepristone in 2000 and subsequent regulatory changes expanding its usage window and accessibility, prompting debate over the agency’s decisions and their alignment with legal standards.
