Biden Administration and Drug Maker Request Supreme Court to Reverse Appellate Ruling
The Supreme Court will be hearing a case regarding access to the abortion drug, mifepristone. The Biden administration and the drug’s manufacturer, Danco Laboratories, are asking the court to overturn an appellate ruling that would impose restrictions on the drug’s distribution, potentially cutting off access through the mail. This comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, stating that the Constitution does not guarantee the right to an abortion.
Restrictions on Abortion and the Use of Mifepristone
Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, 14 states have banned abortion at all stages of pregnancy, with some exceptions. Additionally, two other states have banned abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which typically occurs around six weeks of gestation. The restrictions being challenged in this case include shortening the time during which mifepristone can be used in pregnancy, reducing it from the current 10 weeks to seven weeks.
Importance of the Case and Potential Impact
The outcome of this case will have significant implications for individuals seeking abortions, especially those who rely on medication abortions. Mifepristone, along with another drug, is used in more than half of all abortions in the United States. Over 5 million people have utilized mifepristone since its approval in 2000. The decision by the Supreme Court will likely be made in late June, during the midst of the 2024 presidential and congressional campaigns.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates. (Source: The Associated Press)