Samuel Alito Shields Abortion Pill Access in New Supreme Court Order
The Supreme Court temporarily restored broad access to the abortion pill mifepristone, blocking lower-court restrictions that would have limited its distribution. Justice Samuel Alito signed the order allowing patients to continue obtaining the drug through pharmacies or by mail without an in-person doctor visit. The move preserves current access while the court considers emergency appeals from drug manufacturers.
- ▪The Supreme Court's order allows mifepristone to remain available by mail and at pharmacies without in-person visits for now.
- ▪Mifepristone is used in the majority of U.S. abortions and has been critical in maintaining access after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
- ▪Louisiana sued to restrict mifepristone, arguing it undermined the state's abortion ban, while Democratic-led states have moved to protect telehealth prescriptions.
- ▪Advocacy groups including the National Women's Law Center and Planned Parenthood criticized the lower court's restrictions as medically unnecessary and politically motivated.
- ▪Mifepristone was first approved in 2000, with the FDA authorizing a generic version in 2019 and expanding access under the Biden administration.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
By Gabe WhisnantBreaking News EditorShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.The Supreme Court on Monday temporarily restored broad access to the abortion pill mifepristone, blocking lower-court restrictions that threatened to significantly change how abortion is provided across the United States.In an order signed by Justice Samuel Alito, the court allowed existing federal rules to remain in place for now, letting patients obtain mifepristone at pharmacies or by mail without requiring an in-person doctor visit.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Newsweek.
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