On Tuesday, the Supreme Court is set to deliberate on a pivotal case that could significantly impact the availability of mifepristone, a key abortion medication, for all Americans. This hearing marks a crucial moment, bringing the contentious issue of abortion back to the forefront nearly two years after the Supreme Court’s historic decision to revoke constitutional protections for the procedure.
At the heart of the matter, the court is being asked to confirm a decision by an appeals court. This decision challenges a series of modifications implemented by the Food and Drug Administration over the last decade. These changes include extending the use of mifepristone up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, enabling the medication to be sent through mail to patients, reducing the required dosage, allowing the prescription of the drug via telehealth, and broadening the scope of providers beyond physicians to prescribe the medication.
The significance of this case was underscored recently when new statistics revealed that over 60 percent of all abortions last year were conducted using medication.
As the court prepares to hear arguments on Tuesday morning, activists from both sides of the debate are expected to gather outside, highlighting the deep divisions and high stakes involved in this case.