The U.S. Supreme Court recently issued a unanimous decision to maintain access to mifepristone, a medication used in a significant portion of abortions in the country. This pill, along with another drug called misoprostol, is used to terminate pregnancy up to 10 weeks of gestation. The FDA approved the use of mifepristone in 2000, deeming it safe for use.
The plaintiff’s challenge to the FDA’s actions regarding mifepristone was dismissed by the high court, stating that it was not within the jurisdiction of federal courts. Despite opposition in other states, in Florida, the use of mifepristone remains legal for up to six weeks of pregnancy. This is due to the state’s Heartbeat Protection Act, which prohibits abortions after the sixth week and restricts telemedicine for abortion as well as the delivery of abortion pills through mail or courier services.
Despite these restrictions in Florida, some residents have been obtaining mifepristone and misoprostol from providers in other states. States like California, Illinois, and New York have enacted “shield laws” to protect telehealth providers sending abortion pills to states with restrictions. MAP, a telehealth practice operating under Massachusetts’ shield laws, serves patients in banned or restrictive states like Texas and Florida.
Overall, the Supreme Court’s decision preserves access to mifepristone in Florida, allowing individuals to access abortion medication within the legal limits of the state.