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In light of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade, numerous concerns and questions have emerged regarding reproductive rights. One primary issue is the status of bodily autonomy—could essential contraceptives like IUDs be outlawed? What about emergency contraceptives like Plan B, or D&C procedures? With at least 14 states imposing abortion bans and many more likely to follow suit, the fate of the “abortion pill” is particularly uncertain.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, Attorney General Joseph Thompson released a statement asserting that states cannot prohibit mifepristone, an FDA-approved medication used for terminating pregnancies within the first ten weeks. He emphasized that states also cannot restrict individuals from traveling to obtain abortions. “While today’s ruling does not remove a state’s ability to maintain legal abortion access within its borders, the Department of Justice is prepared to collaborate with federal agencies to protect and ensure access to reproductive care. Mifepristone’s approval by the FDA means that states cannot ban it based on their disagreement with the agency’s assessment of its safety and effectiveness,” stated Thompson. This indicates that, under the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, states cannot impose bans on federally approved medications.
“The decision is a serious setback for reproductive rights in the U.S., impacting countless individuals. The Justice Department will utilize all available resources to safeguard these rights,” Thompson added. “We remain committed to our mandate of protecting the civil liberties of all citizens.”
What exactly is the abortion pill?
Commonly referred to as “medication abortion,” it involves two types of pills: mifepristone and misoprostol (or misoprostol alone if mifepristone is not accessible). The combination of these two medications is recognized as the most effective method for pill-based abortions and is sanctioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In places where mifepristone is unavailable, misoprostol alone is still endorsed by the World Health Organization.
What are the side effects of the abortion pill?
The abortion pills generally induce cramping and bleeding as part of the process. While many experience few symptoms after taking mifepristone, they often begin to feel them after taking misoprostol. The intensity of these symptoms varies from person to person, and additional side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, and fever. If a fever exceeds 100 degrees or if excessive bleeding occurs, it’s crucial to seek medical help.
Is the abortion pill legal?
Despite Attorney General Thompson’s assurances, the legality of the abortion pill remains a contentious issue. Currently, 19 states have enacted laws prohibiting the prescription of the abortion pill via telemedicine, despite the FDA having lifted the in-person requirement last December. Legal challenges surrounding the abortion pill have already arisen in various states. A manufacturer of the medication is contesting a Mississippi law that mandates in-person doctor visits for obtaining the pill.
As more trigger laws take effect and conservative states follow the lead of those like Texas and Oklahoma in virtually outlawing abortions, the battle over the abortion pill’s legality is far from over.
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Summary
The abortion pill, an FDA-approved medication for early abortion, remains accessible for now, despite recent legal challenges. Attorney General Thompson has stated that states cannot ban mifepristone, but the legality of the abortion pill continues to face scrutiny and opposition in various states.