The Fate of the Abortion Pill in the US
The Supreme Court has the power to decide on the accessibility of the abortion pill, mifepristone, which has been a significant part of medication abortions in the US. The safety of mifepristone is well-established, with data showing it is safer than common prescription drugs and has lower risks compared to procedural abortion and childbirth.
Key Points
- Supreme Court's conservative supermajority could impact the accessibility of medication abortion.
- Mifepristone accounts for a significant portion of US abortions.
- Data supports the safety and effectiveness of mifepristone in medication abortions.
Pros
- Mifepristone, a key pill in medication abortions, has been accessible and widely used since its FDA approval in 2000.
- Data shows that mifepristone is safer than some common, low-risk prescription drugs like penicillin and Viagra.
- Medication abortion using mifepristone has a lower risk of serious complications compared to procedural abortion and childbirth.
Cons
- Changes in regulations could potentially limit access to medication abortion and mifepristone.
- A federal judge in Texas has ruled to suspend the FDA's approval of mifepristone, pending the Supreme Court's decision.