The Supreme Court is considering a challenge to FDA decisions regarding access to mifepristone, a drug used in medication abortions. This includes its availability by mail.
Background:
A Texas-based judge invalidated FDA approval of the pill last year. However, an appeals court narrowed the decision to actions since 2016, allowing the medication to remain available in some form.
Legal Argument:
Anti-abortion advocates reference the Comstock Act, an old law against mailing drugs for abortion. The FDA argues the law doesn’t apply, as it targets unlawful abortions, not legal ones.
Possible Outcomes:
The Supreme Court may rule without addressing FDA authority, leaving current approvals intact. The government argues the challengers lack standing, as they can’t show direct harm.
- Safety Concerns:
Challengers claim the FDA didn’t consider safety adequately, leading to increased emergency room visits. The FDA defends its decisions, citing extensive research and safe usage history. - Impact on Access:
Doctors and patient advocates fear restricted access to the abortion pill if regulations tighten. - Protests and Rallies:
Groups both for and against access to mifepristone are holding protests and rallies ahead of oral arguments.
Stake in the Case:
The Supreme Court is reviewing FDA decisions since 2016, including making mifepristone available by mail and extending its usage window.
Conclusion:
The case has significant implications for reproductive rights, with the Court’s decision potentially shaping access to medication abortions in the United States.
Mifepristone
Mifepristone, also known as RU-486. It helps end pregnancies. It’s often used with misoprostol for this. This combo is very effective, especially in the first 63 days of pregnancy. You take it by mouth.
Common side effects are tummy pain, tiredness, and vaginal bleeding. But sometimes, it can cause heavy bleeding, infections, or birth defects if the pregnancy doesn’t end right. So, follow-up care is crucial.
Mifepristone blocks a hormone. Its called progesterone. This makes the cervix and uterus widen and contract, causing the pregnancy to end.
It was made in 1980 and used in France in 1987. The USA got it in 2000. It’s on WHO’s important medicines list. Canada approved it in 2017.
What are the side effects of Mifepristone?
Serious problems with mifepristone are rare, like needing hospital care or blood transfusions.
Most women have abdominal pain, cramping, and bleeding for about 9–16 days. Severe cramps usually last less than 6 hours. Ibuprofen can help. Some may have bleeding for over 30 days.
Rarely, pelvic inflammatory disease may occur. Excessive bleeding or incomplete termination needs a doctor’s help.
Removing intrauterine devices before using mifepristone can prevent unnecessary discomfort. It doesn’t work for ectopic pregnancies.
In the United States, among about 1.52 million women. Who used mifepristone until April 2011, there were 14 reported deaths. Sepsis caused eight of these deaths. Other incidents included nonlethal hospitalizations, blood transfusions, severe infections, and adverse events reported to the FDA.
Manufacturer of mifepristone
In 2019, GenBioPro made the first generic mifepristone in the US. Some groups oppose it due to abortion beliefs or safety concerns. Similar protests happened in Germany and Australia too.
How early should one get medical abortion?
You can start medication abortion early in pregnancy once confirmed. Visit your doctor for guidance. Ultrasound might be needed in some states. It won’t treat ectopic pregnancy. Check with your doctor for advice.
How to confirm pregnancy termination?
You can check if the abortion worked with an ultrasound or blood test a week later. It takes time for pregnancy hormones to go down. A home pregnancy test might show negative after a month.
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