Medication Abortion is Under Attack: What you need to Know
By Kylie Hunter, Marketing Project Manager | May 11, 2023, 9:08 p.m.
Category: Abortion, Abortion Access, Ask the Experts, Attacks on Planned Parenthood, Events in the News, Health Care Equity, Patient Stories, Staff Stories, State Attacks
By now, you’ve probably heard of an ongoing case in which a cohort of anti-abortion groups have sued the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a federal district court in Amarillo, Texas over the approval of mifepristone, one of two medications most commonly used in medication abortion in the United States. As this case continues to play out in the courts, we understand that it can get confusing to follow along. Here’s the top things you need to know:
At the moment, Mifepristone is still authorized by the FDA
Despite the federal district court judge’s initial ruling that revoked the FDA’s approval, this case is currently under review by the 5th circuit court of appeals who will hear oral arguments on May 17th. After the 5th circuit’s decision, it is highly likely that the case will be appealed again and then heard by the Supreme Court. This is a lengthy process, and it could be many months before a final decision is made.
In the meantime, the Supreme Court has granted a stay on the case. What this means is that while the case is under review, the original federal district court’s ruling will not take effect.
Mifepristone has a 99% safety record, it’s effective, and it has been used by more than five million people since the FDA approved it more than 20 years ago.
Abortion, including medication abortion, is still available at your local California Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties (PPOSBC) will always be here to provide compassionate, high-quality, non-judgmental reproductive health care, including abortion, with as few barriers as possible and continues to offer different abortion care options.
Our doors are open, and will stay open for you. Always
We know that personal medical decisions about your sexual and reproductive health should be made by you, and you alone. Politicians and judges should never be making personal medical decisions for you – including the method of abortion that works best for you. Your freedom to control your body and your life is yours alone.
If you have questions about the services we provide, or to make an appointment, call (714) 922-4100.
What You Can Do to Help
- Show up for reproductive rights
This June marks one year since the Supreme Court made the unjust decision to overturn our constitutional right to abortion, and this case just proves that anti-abortion groups will stop at nothing to find ways to try and ban abortion across the country. We will continue to stand united to support our rights. Join us for a weekend of action on June 23 and 24! For more information, visit BansOffAbortion.org.
- Support PPOSBC Monthly
PPOSBC is ready to continue to see any local or out-of-state patients who need reproductive and/or abortion care. No one will be turned away. However, this legal battle may take several months, and a monthly gift will go a long way in helping us ensure access to care for all patients.
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