Federal Appeals Court Blocks Mailing of Mifepristone, Impacting Abortion Access Nationwide
A federal appeals court has issued a ruling that blocks the mailing of mifepristone, a widely used abortion pill, requiring it to be obtained only in person at clinics. This decision, made by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, affects all states, including those without existing abortion restrictions. The ruling overturns FDA regulations that previously allowed for mail-order prescriptions of the drug. The decision is seen as a significant victory for anti-abortion advocates who argue that mail-order prescriptions subvert state bans on abortion. The FDA is currently reviewing the safety of mifepristone, but no timeline for completion has been provided. The ruling is expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.