The battleground over reproductive rights is heading to the Supreme Court once again as the fate of a widely used abortion pill, mifepristone, is set to be determined. The high court, following an appellate ruling challenging its accessibility, has consented to hear disputes that could greatly affect its availability, including whether it can be obtained through the mail and the window of time during pregnancy it can be used.
These pivotal appeals come from the Biden administration and Danco Laboratories, the New York-based maker of mifepristone. Should the justices rule against them, mail-order access could be blocked and the use of mifepristone could be limited to the first seven weeks of pregnancy instead of the current 10 weeks, as NBC Miami reported. Notably, the court did not consider a separate appeal by abortion foes seeking to overturn the Food and Drug Administration's initial approval of the drug in 2000. The decision on these matters is expected by late June next year, amidst a potentially transformative presidential election season.
Medication abortions, involving mifepristone, represent over half of the abortions taking place in the U.S. The Supreme Court's ruling holds the potential to reshape access to this method significantly. The medication is first dispensed to dilate the cervix and inhibit progesterone, followed by misoprostol, which prompts the uterus to contract and complete the procedure generally within a 48-hour period, according to Local10. As for side effects, studies have shown that the regimen is up to 99% effective and safe, although minor side effects like nausea and heavy bleeding may occur.
With the case before the Supreme Court originating from a legal challenge by Christian conservatives, the legal status of mifepristone remains under intense scrutiny despite its longstanding approval by the FDA. If the justices side with the abortion opponents, not only could mail service be stopped but also the dosage and administration of the drug could be affected, with potential requirements for higher dosages and mandatory office visits. Dr. Stephanie Rand, an OB-GYN affiliated with the advocacy group, Physicians for Reproductive Health, emphasized the effectiveness of the medication, telling Local10, "Bleeding with blood clots that include lighter colored tissue are signs of success".
The cost of medication abortion typically mirrors that of procedural abortion, averaging over $500, with variability contingent on location and insurance coverage. Access to mifepristone has become a patchwork across the country; it's unrestricted in some states, while others impose significant hurdles or outright bans. The Supreme Court's looming decision in 2024 will undoubtedly signal the next chapter in the ongoing saga over reproductive autonomy in America.
