Anti-abortion groups, attorneys general from 25 states, and more than 140 members of Congress have filed briefs urging the U.S. Supreme Court to revert back to the previous rules governing the use of the medication abortion pill mifepristone. The case stems from a lawsuit filed by Alliance Defending Freedom on behalf of several medical organizations challenging changes made by the FDA since 2016. The changes include allowing a longer gestational age for mifepristone use, expanding the types of healthcare providers who can prescribe the medication, and allowing telehealth consultations and mail delivery.
Opponents of these changes argue that they pose risks to women’s health and violate the religious beliefs of anti-abortion doctors who may have to provide care for complications. They also claim that the FDA exceeded its authority in making these changes, and that they undermine states’ rights to regulate abortion access. Attorneys general from 21 states and members of Congress have submitted briefs supporting these arguments.
On the other side, abortion rights supporters, major medical organizations, and Democratic lawmakers have also submitted briefs in support of maintaining access to mifepristone, citing its safety and efficacy. The case before the Supreme Court, Food and Drug Administration v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, will be heard on March 26. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for abortion access and medical regulation.
Source
Photo credit tennesseelookout.com