The fate of the abortion pill is in the hands of the United States Supreme Court.
The high court, which has a conservative majority, has the power to maintain full access to the medicine or reverse the regulatory changes that have made the abortion pill one of the most accessible medicines in recent years in the country.
This includes allowing pills to be prescribed via telemedicine, delivered by mail and used up to 10 weeks into pregnancy.
After the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade (law that guaranteed abortion throughout the United States) in 2022, a federal judge in Texas decided to suspend the approval of mifepristone by the country's regulatory agency, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – which is one of the two most used pills by the Americans.
The medicine is still available to the public until the Supreme Court rules on the case.
The abortion pill is responsible for nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the US, according to 2023 data from the Guttmacher Institute.
At least 5.9 million women have used mifepristone since its approval by the FDA in 2000. It is also frequently prescribed to treat miscarriage.
See how the drug is used in the US since approval in 2000:
September 2000
- Legal nationwide up to seven weeks of pregnancy
The Food and Drug Administration approves mifepristone – the first of the two most commonly used drugs for the procedure – for safe use up to seven weeks of pregnancy. The medicine can only be prescribed in person, over three visits to the doctor.
June 2011
- Legal nationwide up to seven weeks of pregnancy
The FDA implements a safety protocol to reduce the risk of serious complications and ensure the safe use of medication.
March 2016
- Legal nationwide up to 10 weeks gestation
FDA approves updated labeling for mifepristone, increasing gestational limit from seven to 10 weeks.
April 2021
- Legal nationwide up to 10 weeks gestation
- Can be delivered by mail
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the FDA announces that patients can get abortion pills by mail.
June 2022
The US Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade, allowing each state to decide on abortion. Five months later, supporters of the anti-abortion movement in Texas sued the FDA's approval of mifepristone.
January 2023
- Legal nationwide up to 10 weeks of pregnancy
- Can be delivered by mail
The FDA officially allows certified pharmacies to dispense mifepristone in person or by mail to those with a prescription. This does not apply, however, to people in states with blanket abortion bans or telemedicine prescription bans.
March 26, 2024
The US Supreme Court will hear arguments about access to mifepristone and will review the Texas court's decision restricting access to the abortion pill. A decision should be released in the middle of this year.
The safety of mifepristone is well established. Data analyzed by CNN shows it is safer than some common low-risk medications, such as penicillin and Viagra. It also comes with a lower risk of serious complications than the alternatives: surgical abortion and childbirth. Telemedicine for the abortion pill is also effective and safe, according to a recent study.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
