US supreme court temporarily restores access to mail-order abortion pills
The US Supreme Court has temporarily restored nationwide access to mifepristone, a key abortion medication, blocking a lower court ruling that restricted its distribution. Justice Samuel Alito issued the order, which remains in effect until at least May 11, allowing patients to obtain the drug via mail or pharmacies. The decision follows an emergency appeal by the drug's manufacturer and comes amid ongoing legal challenges to reproductive rights.
- ▪The Supreme Court order blocks a Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that had limited mifepristone prescriptions by mail.
- ▪Mifepristone is used in nearly two-thirds of abortions in the US and is considered safe and effective by decades of research.
- ▪The restrictions were challenged by Louisiana's government, which argued mail distribution bypasses state abortion bans and poses health risks.
- ▪Danco Laboratories filed an emergency appeal, warning the lower court's decision would cause chaos in time-sensitive medical care.
- ▪This temporary action follows the Supreme Court's 2024 unanimous decision upholding access to mifepristone.
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The supreme court order blocks a ruling that had threatened to upend one of the main ways abortion is provided across the US. Photograph: Callaghan O’Hare/ReutersView image in fullscreenThe supreme court order blocks a ruling that had threatened to upend one of the main ways abortion is provided across the US. Photograph: Callaghan O’Hare/ReutersUS supreme courtUS supreme court temporarily restores full access to mifepristone abortion pillOrder signed by justice Samuel Alito allows people seeking abortions to obtain the pill at pharmacies or by mail for nowMaya YangMon 4 May 2026 12.33 EDTFirst published on Mon 4 May 2026 11.44 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe US supreme court has temporarily reinstated nationwide access to mifepristone, blocking a ruling that threatened to upend…
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