A federal appeals court ruled late Wednesday that the abortion drug mifepristone could still be offered, but judges blocked the drug from being mailed to patients and canceled the steps. other that the government has made for easy access in recent years.
The three-judge panel said their decision would be upheld until the entire case is heard on appeal.
At its order, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, said the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of mifepristone in 2000 could be effective because it was too long for the plaintiffs, one A consortium of groups and doctors that oppose abortion, oppose it. decision.
But the court said it was not too late for the plaintiffs to challenge a series of steps the FDA took starting in 2016 to lift restrictions and make the drug easier for more patients.
Those steps include not requiring only a doctor to prescribe the drug, approving the drug until the 10th week of pregnancy instead of seven, and allowing the medication to be mailed to the patient instead of asking for a collection. from the healthcare center. direct supplier.
All those restrictions have been temporarily restored. The Justice Department is likely to appeal the order to the Supreme Court.
Mike Ives contribution report.
