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US Supreme Court restores abortion pill access for now
The Supreme Court issued an emergency stay allowing mifepristone to be mailed while litigation proceeds, blocking restrictions from a lower court. The stay was issued on May 14, 2026, and will remain in place until the justices decide whether to hear the manufacturers' emergency case. The move preserves access for now but leaves open ongoing legal challenges.
Why It Matters
Abortion pills are a common method of terminating pregnancies in the US, and the stay keeps access available in states with bans or restrictions while lawsuits continue.
Timeline
8 Events
Supreme Court stay on mifepristone restrictions
May 14, 2026
The Supreme Court issued a stay blocking lower-court restrictions on mifepristone access while litigation proceeds, with no reasoning attached.
Manufacturers seek Supreme Court intervention
May 2026
Two mifepristone manufacturers asked the Supreme Court to weigh in while preparing to bring an emergency case.
Appeals court reinstates in-person requirement for abortion pills
May 2026
Earlier this month, an appeals court temporarily reinstated a requirement that abortion pills be obtained in person.
Louisiana sues FDA over mifepristone delivery
October 2025
Louisiana sued the FDA in October 2025 to prevent delivery of mifepristone, arguing nationwide mailing interfered with its abortion ban.
SCOTUS unanimously rejects effort to restrict mifepristone
2024
The Supreme Court unanimously rejected an effort to restrict access to the drug.
FDA permanently allows mail delivery of mifepristone
2023
The FDA decided to permanently allow mifepristone to be sent by mail.
Roe v. Wade overturned
2022
The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
April 2021: FDA lifts in-person dispensing for mifepristone 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, enabling mail distribution.