Supreme Court Temporarily Stays Lower Court Ruling on Abortion Pill Mifepristone, Preserving Access for Now

The Supreme Court has issued a temporary stay on a lower court ruling in a dispute involving the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the abortion pill mifepristone. Justice Samuel Alito signed the order on Friday, which preserves the status quo as the court considers its request to intervene in the court battle over mifepristone.

The order requires both sides to weigh in by Tuesday over whether the lower court rulings restricting the FDA’s approval of the drug should be allowed to take effect. Alito’s hold will stay in place until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday.

The case involves anti-abortion medical associations and physicians who challenged the FDA’s approval of the drug, arguing that it was not in line with the agency’s own regulations. The FDA has argued that the drug is safe and effective and should be available to women seeking abortions.

The Supreme Court’s decision to temporarily stay the lower court ruling preserves access to the drug for now. The court will take time to more fully consider the issues raised in the court challenge before making a final decision. It is unclear when the court will make a final ruling on the case.