BREAKING: Supreme Court of the United States Unanimously Rejects Challenge to FDA’s Approval of Mifepristone

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2024

CONTACT: Planned Parenthood South Atlantic Media Office at [email protected]

BREAKING: Supreme Court of the United States Unanimously Rejects Challenge to FDA’s Approval of Mifepristone

Under this ruling, mifepristone, one of the two drugs used for medication abortion, can continue to be prescribed via telehealth in 26 states nationwide.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled unanimously to reject a challenge brought against the FDA’s regulations on mifepristone in the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine et al v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration et al case. The plaintiffs’ challenge attempted to dismantle the FDA’s approval of mifepristone. This decision strikes down all lower court decisions and keeps in place FDA approval of mifepristone across the country. 

Medication abortion is the most common abortion method in the United States today with approximately 60% of patients choosing this option. Millions of people across this country have safely and effectively used mifepristone since it was approved by the FDA more than two decades ago. 

Statement from Jenny Black, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic:

“Today’s decision from the Supreme Court reaffirms what we already knew: this case was erroneous from the start. Medication abortion should have never been at risk, but this ruling ensures that patients can continue to access medication abortion care in states where it is legal. We are relieved by today’s decision and remain steadfast in our commitment to providing this life-affirming care to our patients. 

However, we know that our fight to protect this health care and bodily autonomy isn’t over. Anti-abortion politicians continue to attack access to birth control, IVF, and abortion nationwide. They did not stop when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, and they will not stop here. Today, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we keep fighting.”

Last week, in Bryant v. Stein, a federal court in North Carolina struck down several state restrictions on medication abortion, including a requirement that only physicians may provide this care and a ban on providing abortions via telehealth. The Supreme Court’s ruling today ensures the availability of medication abortion and the promise of the Bryant decision for providers and patients in North Carolina.

There are now 26 states nationwide that currently allow telehealth access to medication abortion, including Virginia and North Carolina.

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