(Washington, 3rd) The main manufacturer of abortion pills in the United States has submitted a request to the Supreme Court, hoping to restore the mail-order supply of the most commonly used abortion pill, mifepristone. Previously, a lower court had suspended the mailing and distribution of this drug.
According to AFP, most abortion procedures in the US utilize mifepristone, which is approved for abortions within 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Mifepristone is usually used in combination with misoprostol, the latter serving to empty the uterus.
Danco Laboratories is one of only two companies distributing mifepristone in the US, and is also the manufacturer of the drug.
Danco Laboratories is one of only two companies distributing mifepristone in the US, and is also the manufacturer of the drug.
The US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling on Friday (May 1), temporarily prohibiting abortion service providers nationwide from prescribing and shipping mifepristone; women seeking abortions must now go to a clinic to obtain the medication.
Danco Laboratories, in documents submitted to the Supreme Court on Saturday (May 2), stated that the ruling immediately brings confusion and turmoil to highly urgent medical decisions.
“The resulting chaos for patients, healthcare providers, pharmacies, and the drug regulatory system is irreparable, highlighting the necessity for the Supreme Court to provide emergency relief.”
Danco Laboratories, in documents submitted to the Supreme Court on Saturday (May 2), stated that the ruling immediately brings confusion and turmoil to highly urgent medical decisions.
“The resulting chaos for patients, healthcare providers, pharmacies, and the drug regulatory system is irreparable, highlighting the necessity for the Supreme Court to provide emergency relief.”
Anti-abortion advocates have questioned the safety of mifepristone, with some citing a study conducted by a conservative think tank, though the study has never undergone formal peer review.
In 2024, the Supreme Court rejected requests to restrict mifepristone. At the time, the decision found that anti-abortion groups and doctors advocating for further restrictions on mifepristone lacked the legal standing to bring a lawsuit.
In 2022, the Supreme Court overturned nationwide abortion rights, after which about 20 states have banned or restricted abortion. Polls show that, despite opposition from some activists, the majority of Americans still support legal abortion.