A federal appeals court on Friday temporarily froze federal rules that permit the teleprescribing and mailing of abortion drugs, which now account for more than 60% of all abortions in the U.S. health system.
The 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruling marks a significant victory for the anti-abortion movement, which had urged the Trump administration to reinstate in-person dispensing requirements for mifepristone.
Court Sides with Louisiana in Challenge to Biden Administration Rules
A three-judge panel ruled in favor of Louisiana in a case contesting Biden administration policies that expanded access to the widely used abortion drug mifepristone. The state argued that the federal rules undermined its laws protecting unborn human life and forced it to spend Medicaid funds on emergency care for women harmed by the drug.
Lower Court Allows Mail-Order Prescriptions Pending FDA Review
A lower court judge ruled last week that mail-order prescriptions for mifepristone should continue while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) completes a safety review of the drug.
Reproductive Rights Advocates Warn of Access Restrictions
"At a time when families are struggling to afford basic needs like housing, groceries and child care, it is unconscionable to restrict lifesaving access to abortion medication," said Regina Davis Moss, CEO of advocacy group In Our Own Voice.
"Reinstating in-person dispensing requirements would force people to travel farther, take more time off work, and absorb costs that are simply too high."
Supreme Court Previously Dismissed Challenge to Mifepristone Rules
The Supreme Court threw out a challenge to the mifepristone rules in 2024, ruling that the doctors who filed the case lacked legal standing.
Future Legal Steps: Emergency Appeal Likely
An emergency appeal to the Supreme Court is likely, according to the Guttmacher Institute.
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