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US court limits mail-order access to abortion pill mifepristone
A US appeals court temporarily reinstated a requirement that abortion pills be obtained in person, limiting mail-order access to mifepristone. The ruling affects states where abortion is banned and remains in effect as the case proceeds. The decision follows prior FDA actions and court rulings related to medication abortion.
Why It Matters
The ruling tightens access to the most common method of abortion in the US and highlights ongoing legal battles over medication abortion and state restrictions.
Timeline
7 Events
Long-term usage of mifepristone in the US (FDA data)
2000–2018
Over 3.7 million women used mifepristone in the US between 2000 and 2018, according to the FDA.
Fifth Circuit restricts mail-order access to mifepristone
May 1, 2026
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily reinstated a requirement that abortion pills be obtained in person, instead of by mail or telemedicine. The ruling limits access to mifepristone in states where abortion is banned and will remain in effect as the case proceeds. The court cited concerns about the FDA's approval enabling abortion policies that conflict with certain state laws. Reactions to the decision included statements from Louisiana officials and abortion-rights groups.
Supreme Court rejects challenge to mifepristone access
2024
The US Supreme Court unanimously rejected an effort to restrict access to mifepristone.
FDA permanently lifts in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone
2023
The FDA permanently removed the in-person dispensing requirement, allowing mifepristone to be sent by mail.
FDA expands access to mifepristone by lifting in-person dispensing requirement during Covid-19
April 2021
The FDA said it would lift the in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic, expanding access to the medication.
Mifepristone use extended to 10 weeks
2016
In 2016, the approved use of mifepristone was extended to 10 weeks of pregnancy.
FDA approval and early uses of mifepristone
September 2000
Mifepristone was first approved by the FDA for medical termination of pregnancy through seven weeks of gestation.