U.S. Supreme Court to evaluate access to key miscarriage and abortion drug

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Idaho Capital Sun reports the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on March 26 for a case that could curtail access to a prescription drug used for abortions and miscarriage care.

The case centers on when and how patients can access mifepristone, a pharmaceutical the U.S. Food and Drug Administration originally approved in 2000.

Mifepristone is approved for use up to 10 weeks gestation and accounts for more than half of abortions in the United States when used in combination with a second pharmaceutical called misoprostol.

Doctors also often use the two-drug regimen to provide treatment following a miscarriage.

Dozens of medical organizations and pharmaceutical groups filed briefs with the Supreme Court, urging it to decide either way.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America wrote in its 28-page brief that if the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling is left in place, it "could invite boundless litigation to FDA drug approvals."

Several medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association, wrote in a 36-page brief to the Supreme Court that "[n]o patient should be denied treatment for miscarriage or other early pregnancy loss because of Respondents' hypothetical fears or personal beliefs."

The full article can be found HERE.

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