Power to Decide denounces 5th Circuit decision on mifepristone

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit issued a ruling partially affirming a lower court’s decision to block mifepristone, a drug used in medication abortion. However, this ruling does not affect current availability or legality of mifepristone, as the Supreme Court previously issued an injunction while the case proceeds through the lower courts. Today’s ruling is one more step in that process, with the case almost certain to end up before the Supreme Court.

Power to Decide CEO, Raegan McDonald-Mosley, MD, MPH, issued the following statement in support of mifepristone:

“Once again, the 5th Circuit is seeking to imperil reproductive health and access to care. Mifepristone has a 20-year track record of safety. Not only is it used for the majority of abortions today, it is also an important tool to manage miscarriages. Scientists and medical professionals should determine mifepristone’s efficacy and the best practices for dispensing it, not jurists and ideologically-driven attorneys. 

“While mifepristone remains available for now, today’s decision threatens to make already chaotic circumstances even more confusing — leaving patients seeking abortion unsure of what care is available to them while they are already facing barriers that are often insurmountable.  

“We are more committed than ever to ensuring that all people have access to the reproductive health care they need and want, including abortion. Power to Decide will continue to update AbortionFinder.org, our resource that helps abortion seekers find verified abortion care. AbortionFinder gives people accurate information about abortion options so they can make informed decisions and access the care they need.

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Power to Decide is a private, non-partisan, nonprofit organization that works to ensure all people — no matter who they are, where they live, or what their economic status might be — have the power to decide if, when and under what circumstances to get pregnant or have a child.