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Supreme Court preserves access to abortion pill FOR NOW
Supreme Court preserves access to abortion pill FOR NOW – justices vote 7-2 to allow access, with conservative justices Alito and Thomas dissenting
- The Supreme Court on Friday issued a temporary decision regarding access to the abortion drug mifepristone
- A federal court in Texas on April 7 blocked the distribution of the pills: hours later a federal court in Washington guaranteed access, setting the stage for a fight
- Friday’s decision preserves the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the drug, which is used in more than half of all abortions in the US
The Supreme Court has preserved access to the abortion pill mifepristone, overturning a Texas ruling and guaranteeing women can get hold of the drug while the legal case continues.
The case was brought before the court after a federal judge in Texas on April 7 ruled that FDA approval of the drug was not legal.
Hours later, a judge in Washington state made the opposite ruling, setting the stage for a Supreme Court decision.
On Friday they voted 7-2 to continue allowing women to access the drug, which was approved by the FDA over 20 years ago and is used in more than half of all abortions in the United States.
Abortion pill mifepristone will not be banned immediately, the Supreme Court ruled on Friday evening
Joe Biden praised the Supreme Court’s decision.
‘As a result of the Supreme Court’s stay, mifepristone remains available and approved for safe and effective use while we continue this fight in the courts,’ he said.
‘I continue to stand by FDA’s evidence-based approval of mifepristone, and my Administration will continue to defend FDA’s independent, expert authority to review, approve, and regulate a wide range of prescription drugs.
‘The stakes could not be higher for women across America.
‘I will continue to fight politically-driven attacks on women’s health.
‘But let’s be clear – the American people must continue to use their vote as their voice, and elect a Congress who will pass a law restoring the protections of Roe v Wade.’
