The ongoing legal battle over mifepristone access has led to significant changes in abortion protocols across the United States. In 2023, the FDA permanently lifted the in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone. This decision followed earlier moves during the Covid-19 pandemic that aimed to increase accessibility.
Mifepristone is used in about 60% of abortions nationwide. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay blocking its use, creating uncertainty for many patients. U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk suspended the FDA’s approval of mifepristone, further complicating access.
Key developments:
- The FDA lifted the in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone in April 2021 and made it permanent in 2023.
- Planned Parenthood in Maine will switch to misoprostol-only for telehealth patients.
- Danco Laboratories and GenBioPro manufacture mifepristone.
Nicole Clegg, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, stated, “We closely monitored this court case, and we identified a way to keep telehealth medication abortion access intact for our patients.” This reflects efforts to adapt amidst legal challenges.
GenBioPro described the court’s order as unleashing “regulatory chaos,” impacting timely medical decisions. The lawsuit against the FDA’s decision was filed by individual doctors and medical groups opposed to abortion.
Uncertainties remain as the next ruling is expected in 2024 regarding the case FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine. Meanwhile, advocates continue to argue that mifepristone is safe and effective.
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