A federal appeals court this week ruled that the abortion drug mifepristone will remain approved for use for up to seven weeks in pregnancy, with new limitations on how it is dispensed, while a federal case plays out. The 2-1 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals partially overturned a lower court’s ruling blocking access to the abortion drug. While the court kept the initial FDA approval of the drug in effect, it put a hold on 2016 FDA rules allowing the drug to be used through 10 weeks of pregnancy and to be sent in the mail.
The ruling is the latest development in the lawsuit brought by the Alliance Defending Freedom challenging mifepristone’s approval. The group argues that the FDA did not adequately review safety risks in its initial approval. A U.S. District Court judge had completely blocked the FDA’s approval. With the latest ruling, the legal battle over the abortion drug may ultimately end up before the Supreme Court.
In response, Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, provided a statement:
“The 5th Circuit was right to recognize the dangers of unrestricted chemical abortion to women’s health and safety. We are grateful for the restoration of protections, and any limitation on the use of these lethal drugs. We hope that the final ruling will result in removal of chemical abortion from the market altogether. Abortion is never the right choice for a difficult or unexpected pregnancy, as it always ends one life and risks another. We pray ardently that our nation will authentically support and accompany women, so that ending the lives of their children alone in their own homes will be unthinkable.”