Louisiana v. FDA Mifepristone Case
Today’s oral arguments at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals are the latest in a long line of attacks against Mifepristone. No matter how the Fifth Circuit rules, access to Mifepristone will remain intact for the time being; the Supreme Court’s order in May preserves the status quo as this case proceeds.
Mifepristone has been proven over and over again to be a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy and support a miscarriage. To undermine medical consensus is to deny science, the expertise of medical professionals, and the experiences of those who seek to end their pregnancies.
Kimberly Inez McGuire, Chief Executive Officer with URGE: Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity:
“It does not matter how many times anti-abortion groups come after medication abortion–the science, the data, and the safety of Mifepristone and Misoprostol remains the same. The evidence is clear: Mifepristone is safe and effective, whether patients get their prescription through the mail, at a pharmacy, or in a health center. It is truly unconscionable that opponents of reproductive justice try to misinform the public on the safety of Mifepristone. Everyone deserves the right to make decisions about their own bodies without politicians or judges interfering.”
Any new restrictions would make it even harder for people to get the care they need – at a time when nearly half of U.S. states ban abortion. Young people of color, disabled, and rural communities are particularly at risk if telehealth access to Mifepristone is limited by additional restrictions. Attacks on abortion care contribute to the anxiety and frustration young people are feeling right now. In a recent poll URGE conducted with HIT Strategies, 71% of young people 18-29 years old share that they have a lot of concerns over access to and the affordability of healthcare, including reproductive healthcare. We also know that a large share of Gen Z voters (83%) report concern about laws restricting or banning abortion. In fact, three in four (77%) Gen Z voters polled are personally concerned about themselves or a loved one being able to access abortion or other reproductive care.
“Make no mistake, young people are paying attention. At a time when young adults are deeply concerned about how they will pay rent, afford their next medical appointment, and build for their future, they are also keeping track of who is trying to advance frivolous lawsuits to score political points. Their anger and frustration runs deep. But young adults have told me over and over they will not be stopped. And they will make their voices heard.”
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