ICYMI: Fifth Circuit Hears Arguments in Louisiana v. FDA, the Greatest Threat to Abortion Access Since Dobbs
A ruling could end mail and pharmacy access to medication abortion nationwide; including in states where abortion is legal
WASHINGTON, DC –– This week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit heard oral arguments in Louisiana v. FDA, a case that could restrict access to the medication abortion across the country –– even in states where it is legally protected. The lawsuit, seeks to block patients from accessing medication abortion via mail, is motivated by politics and anti-abortion extremism, not science, and represents one of the greatest threats to abortion access in the US since the Dobbs decision in 2022.
In response to the latest developments in Louisiana v. FDA, Gowri Buddiga, Campaign Director for Free & Just released the following statement:
“Medication abortion is safe and effective, and that hasn’t changed since its approval over 20 years ago. Any new restrictions on mifepristone would make it harder for people to access abortion care — even in states where it's safeguarded. The reality is, anti-abortion extremists are hellbent on banning abortion nationwide, and this case is yet another example of them leveraging the courts to achieve their dangerous and unpopular agenda.”
Yesterday’s oral arguments came after the Supreme Court temporarily paused the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ May 1 ruling that prohibited patients from receiving abortion medication by mail or at a pharmacy after receiving care through telemedicine.
Abortion medication is safe, effective, and has been FDA approved for over twenty years. It is currently used in nearly two-thirds of abortions across the country; restricting access to medication abortion could eliminate care for 64.5 million people. Reinstating an in-person requirement for mifepristone would severely limit patients’ access to this medication abortion — especially Americans in marginalized and rural communities. Ending telehealth and pharmacy access would force many patients to travel hundreds of miles just to receive care, despite leading medical authorities determining that this restriction is not beneficial.
Bottomline: While medication abortion remains available today, patients and providers are forced to navigate a complex and ever-changing legal landscape as extremists continue efforts to chip away at access to care.
New data from Reproductive Freedom for All and Impact Research finds that Americans across the political spectrum are nearly as opposed to a national abortion ban as they are to middle class tax increases and sweeping cuts to Medicaid. Still, Trump and anti-abortion extremists are weaponizing federal agencies to launch deadly new attacks on access to reproductive health care.
If you are interested in speaking with patients, physicians, or advocates about the implications of today’s SCOTUS action, please contact kelly@freeandjust.us.
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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.