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Essential Access Health Responds to Attacks on Medication Abortion Access

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Mika Bukowski / mbukowski@essentialaccess.org

Background: 

On May 1, a federal appeals court restricted nationwide access to mifepristone — a safe, FDA-approved medication used to end a pregnancy — requiring it to be dispensed in person rather than receiving it by mail or at a pharmacy after receiving telehealth care.

On May 4, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a one-week administrative stay that expires on May 11, temporarily restoring patients' ability to get mifepristone through telemedicine nationwide. During the one-week pause, the Court will decide whether to extend the stay or allow the federal appeals court’s ruling to take effect. 

If the Court allows the ruling to stand, patients across the country, including in states where abortion remains legal, would once again be required to obtain mifepristone in person, creating significant barriers to care.

Right now, mifepristone is still legal and accessible through telehealth medicine. We will continue to provide updates, including when the Supreme Court decides whether to extend the stay or allow the ruling to stand.

Statement: 

This case is part of a coordinated attack on abortion access and bodily autonomy nationwide. Anti-abortion politicians are trying to force medically unnecessary restrictions on a safe and effective medication that has been used for more than 25 years for abortion and miscarriage care. 

Every person deserves the freedom, autonomy, and dignity to make decisions about their own body, health, and future without political interference. If these restrictions are allowed to move forward, the harm will fall hardest on people already facing systemic barriers to care. 

We want our communities to know that medication abortion via telehealth remains legal and available for now. We will keep working toward a future where everyone has the power to make their own decisions about their bodies, lives and future.

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Essential Access Health champions and promotes high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare for all, working to expand access, eliminate inequities, and support communities in achieving optimal health.

Learn more at essentialaccess.org