Supreme Court preserves access to abortion pill FOR NOW
Supreme Court Upholds Access to Abortion Pill FOR NOW – Judges Vote 7-2 to Allow Access, While Conservative Justices Alito and Thomas Disagree
- The Supreme Court on Friday issued a temporary decision on access to the abortion drug mifepristone
- A federal court in Texas blocked the distribution of the pills on April 7: Hours later, a federal court in Washington guaranteed access, setting the stage for a fight
- Friday’s decision preserves the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the drug, which is used in more than half of all abortions in the US
The Supreme Court has upheld access to the abortion pill mifepristone, overturning a Texas ruling and guaranteeing that women can get their hands on the drug while the lawsuit continues.
The case was brought to court after a federal judge in Texas ruled on April 7 that FDA approval of the drug was not legal.
Hours later, a Washington state judge issued the opposite ruling, paving the way for a Supreme Court decision.
On Friday, they voted 7 to 2 to continue allowing women access to the drug, which was approved by the FDA more than 20 years ago and is used in more than half of all abortions in the United States.
Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas disagreed.
The abortion pill mifepristone will not be banned immediately, the Supreme Court ruled on Friday evening
Joe Biden praised the Supreme Court’s decision.
“As a result of the Supreme Court stay, mifepristone remains available and approved for safe and effective use as we continue this battle in the courts,” he said.
“I stand by the FDA’s evidence-based approval of mifepristone and my administration will continue to defend the independent, expert authority of the FDA to review, approve and regulate a broad range of prescription drugs.
“The stakes couldn’t 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 voice as a voice and elect a Congress that will pass a law restoring the protections of Roe v Wade.”