Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts reacts to Supreme Court decision to uphold mifepristone access 

The Court rejects anti-abortion groups' challenge to FDA approval of mifepristone, dismissing the case on standing

BOSTON - Today, the Supreme Court issued a ruling in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), dismissing the case on standing and reversing a prior ruling from the Fifth Circuit that would have rolled back access to mifepristone. This decision means that there will be no changes to mifepristone’s FDA approval or label, and medication abortion remains legal and accessible in Massachusetts. 

Statement from Dominique Lee, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts:  

"The Supreme Court’s ruling means that access to mifepristone is unchanged, and medication abortion remains available in Massachusetts and states where abortion is legal. Mifepristone has been FDA-approved for over 22 years, with an undeniable track record of being safe and effective at ending an early pregnancy and for miscarriage management. This case never should have made it this far, but we are pleased that the Court made the right decision, rejecting a baseless challenge to the FDA’s authority and approval of an incredibly safe and effective medication.  

Today we are breathing a sigh of relief, but let’s not forget that this is the same Supreme Court that overturned Roe v. Wade just two years ago, and the threats to reproductive health care are at an all-time high. Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts will continue do everything we can, in our health centers and in our communities, to ensure patients have access to the care they need with as few barriers as possible.” 

A safe, effective medication, mifepristone has been FDA-approved for more than 22 years and is one of two medicines most commonly used in medication abortion and miscarriage management in the United States. Since the FDA approved mifepristone in 2000, it has been used by more than five million people to safely and effectively end a pregnancy. In the last year, more than 60% of abortions nationwide were medication abortions. Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts provides medication abortion care and miscarriage management to thousands of patients annually at its health centers and via telehealth. 

The Supreme Court has yet to issue a ruling in a case that could determine patients’ right to emergency abortion care under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA). A decision in that case is expected this June. 

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About Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts: 

Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) is the state’s leading provider of sexual and reproductive health services and has been a leader in promoting sexual health for more than 90 years. We believe that all people deserve the information and expert services to make informed, personal decisions that affect their health, their lives and their futures. The mission of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts is to ensure every person in the state has access to sexual and reproductive health care and education no matter who they are, where they live, or who they love. Our work is informed by research, powered by advocacy, and conducted with compassion and respect.