The US Supreme Court has preserved access to a commonly used abortion pill, ruling the drug can remain available while a legal case continues.
In a split decision, it also rejected restrictions on mifepristone implemented by a lower court, essentially maintaining the status quo.
The future of the drug was called into question after a Texas judge sought to invalidate its long-standing approval.
It comes after the Supreme Court which has a 6-3 conservative majority, overturned Roe v Wade in June last year, ending the nationwide guarantee to abortion and giving states the power to ban the procedure.
With Friday’s ruling, the mifepristone case now returns to the lower 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. But for now, Friday’s ruling had the immediate effect of reassuring healthcare providers that access would continue, at least for the time being.
Kristyn Brandi, a gynecologist and abortion provider in New Jersey, said she was relieved to learn about the ruling. She said before the ruling, she and other providers were unsure of what services they would be able to offer patients attending clinics during the weekend.
“Tomorrow morning at 7AM the patients will be able to access the care that they need. That’s all that matters today.”
In response to Friday’s decision, Biden issued a statement calling on voters to take the issue of abortion access to the polls.
He also said that his administration will continue to defend the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of mifepristone, and he called on Americans to elect lawmakers to pass a law restoring abortion rights.
“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,” Biden stated.
Chioma Kalu
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