Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California Responds to SCOTUS Hearing on Mifepristone Case
March 26, 2024
Shelby McMichael, Communications Manager
SACRAMENTO — The U.S. Supreme Court this morning heard oral arguments in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration – a case challenging the FDA’s approval and subsequent regulation of mifepristone, a drug used in combination with misoprostol in medication abortion. Medication abortion now accounts for over 60 percent of all abortion in the United States. The Court heard arguments on the FDA’s and Danco Laboratories’ (the pharmaceutical company that distributes mifepristone) petitions, which asked the Court to review the Fifth Circuit’s decision to reinstate restrictions on mifepristone that were in place pre-2016.
While the eventual decision issued by SCOTUS could result in a variety of outcomes, any outcome short of preserving full access to mifepristone would severely impact the provision of medication abortion in California, jeopardize the gains California has made toward equitable access to abortion, and ultimately have a devastating impact on pregnant people across the nation. A decision is expected in June.
Statement from Jodi Hicks, President/CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California:
“First and foremost, today’s Supreme Court hearing does not, for now, change access to or approval of mifepristone. Abortion medication remains legal and accessible in California. However, we must acknowledge that despite the work California has done to enshrine abortion as a constitutional right and enact robust protections for both patients and providers, the Supreme Court’s determination in this case could directly impact access to medication abortion in the state.
“Let’s be clear, this misguided, coordinated attack on mifepristone is part of the politically motivated campaign by anti-abortion extremists to realize a national abortion ban—a strong concern for most Californians.
“Despite the anti-abortion movement’s ongoing attacks on abortion care of all kinds, Planned Parenthood in California remains steadfast in our fight for reproductive freedom. While we await the Supreme Court’s decision in this case, and whatever the outcome may be, we will continue to affirm the belief held by a majority of Californians in the fundamental right to bodily autonomy and access to health care without barriers.”
Approval of and access to mifepristone remains unchanged until the Supreme Court issues a final decision, likely in June.
A Background Memo is available to reporters by request.
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