mifepristone

Ruling deals blow to access to abortion pill mifepristone — but nothing changes yet

7:19pm August 16, 2023

A federal appeals court would restrict the use of mifepristone, a pill used in medication abortions. But previous action by the Supreme Court means the status quo holds for now.

Protesters filled the street in front of the Supreme Court after the court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022. Nearly a year later, 61% of respondents to a new Gallup poll said overturning Roe was a "bad thing."

Nearly a year later, most Americans oppose Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe

5:17pm June 14, 2023

by Sarah McCammon

The latest Gallup poll also finds increased political polarization. Some 60% of Democrats said abortion should be legal under any circumstances, compared with 8% of Republicans.

On Wednesday, a federal appeals court heard arguments over access to mifepristone, a drug commonly used in a two-pill regimen to provide abortion and miscarriage care.

Health & Safety

The abortion pill mifepristone has another day in federal court

6:10pm May 17, 2023

by Becky Sullivan

While a Supreme Court order continues to ensure the drug is still widely available, the issue returned Wednesday to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals as lawyers for both sides urged the court to act.

The drug manufacturer GenBioPro received FDA approval for its generic version of the abortion pill mifepristone — the first dose in a widely-used, two-drug protocol — in 2019.

Generic abortion pill manufacturer sues FDA in effort to preserve access

1:49pm April 19, 2023

by Sarah McCammon

GenBioPro, which makes a generic form of mifepristone, is suing the FDA seeking to preserve access to the drug amidst ongoing federal litigation.

Boxes containing doses of the abortion pill mifepristone are laid out at the Hope Clinic in Illinois. The Comstock Act of 1873, which outlawed the distribution of "obscene" materials such as contraception, is being cited as a basis for blocking the mailing of mifepristone.

Why anti-abortion groups are citing the ideas of a 19th-century 'vice reformer'

10:51am April 18, 2023

by Sarah McCammon

Anthony Comstock pushed Congress to crack down on what he saw as harmful vices, such as pornography and contraception. An 1873 law named for him has appeared in recent court battles over abortion.

Demonstrators rally in support of abortion rights at the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on Saturday.

National

Across the country, abortion rights advocates rally in support of abortion pill access

5:29pm April 15, 2023

by Kaitlyn Radde

A judge in Texas issued a ruling that could severely restrict mifepristone access in the U.S., making the future of a drug used in about half of American abortions uncertain.

A patient prepares to take mifepristone during a visit to an abortion provider in Kansas City, Kan., in October. A federal judge's preliminary injunction invalidating the FDA's approval of the common abortion medication could have far-reaching effects if it's allowed to stand.

Health & Safety

The pharmaceutical industry urges courts to preserve access to abortion pill

5:01am April 14, 2023

by Becky Sullivan

As the debate over mifepristone makes its way to the Supreme Court, the pharmaceutical industry has raised concerns that ruling against the FDA could chill the development of new drugs.

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Health & Safety

Here's what really happened during the abortion drug's approval 23 years ago

5:01am April 14, 2023

by Sydney Lupkin

A Texas judge ruled that the Food and Drug Administration wrongly approved mifepristone in 2000 and accused it of doing a rush job. Here's what really went down.

The Justice Department had asked the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans for an emergency stay of an abortion pill ruling by a federal judge in Texas while the court hears the case.

U.S. appeals court preserves partial access to abortion pill, but with tighter rules

6:33pm April 13, 2023

by Sarah McCammon

The Biden administration had asked the higher court to stay a decision from a Texas judge while the appeal plays out.

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A Texas judge recently ruled on nationwide access to mifepristone.

Share your story: Have you used medication for abortion or miscarriage care?

5:34pm April 13, 2023

by Health Editors

NPR would like to hear from you. With the future of some abortion pills in jeopardy, tell us about your experience using medication to end a pregnancy or treat a miscarriage.