Supreme Court Temporarily Restores Access to Abortion Pill Mifepristone
The U.S. Supreme Court has issued a temporary stay, reinstating access to the abortion pill mifepristone via telehealth, mail, and pharmacies, pending further legal review.
On May 4, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a temporary stay reinstating access to the abortion pill mifepristone through telehealth, mail, and pharmacies. This decision, signed by Justice Samuel Alito, pauses a recent federal appeals court ruling that had imposed new restrictions on the drug's distribution.
Mifepristone, used in combination with misoprostol, accounts for the majority of abortions in the United States. Its availability has been crucial, especially following the 2022 Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, allowing states to enforce abortion bans.
The recent legal challenge originated from Louisiana, which argued that the drug's accessibility undermined the state's abortion ban. In response, manufacturers of mifepristone filed emergency appeals requesting the Supreme Court's intervention.
Justice Alito's order will remain in effect for another week, providing time for both sides to respond as the Court considers the issue further.