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Whiplash over remote access to abortion medication nationwide

It’s still uncertain if an abortion medication can be prescribed over telehealth. Mifepristone is one of two drugs used to terminate a pregnancy before 10 weeks and to treat miscarriages, but could require an in-person visit before it’s dispensed, depending on a U.S. Supreme Court decision. 

In 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a rule that allowed mifepristone to be dispensed through telehealth appointments. However, the state of Louisiana says the policy undermines their state law banning abortion and sued the FDA.

On May 1, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals took Louisiana's side and blocked remote access to abortion medication nationwide. However, that was paused when the U.S. Supreme Court issued a temporary stay on May 4. Now, the Supreme Court ruled telehealth abortion can resume while Louisiana's lawsuit continues.