A Statement on the Supreme Court’s Mifepristone Decision

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This statement can be attributed to Denise-Hyater Lindenmuth (MA, MBA), Executive Director of the National Women’s Health Network. Contact Director of Communications Adele Scheiber at [email protected] or by phone at 631 – 538 – 6348 for comments and questions.

The NWHN applauds the Supreme Court for its decision to block the lower court’s ruling against Mifepristone, one of two medication abortion drugs, until the end of the legal proceedings. However, we are outraged that, once again, a woman’s ability to decide her reproductive destiny has been stripped from her hands and given back to the courts. The Network recognizes that this is part of a larger agenda to restrict abortion access until safe and legal abortions are no longer viable in the United States. This agenda ignores well-researched scientific findings that support the safety and efficacy of medication abortion drugs, such as Mifepristone. Further, it calls into question the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authority to regulate drugs and politicizes its approval process. This will set a dangerous precedent for future access to important medical devices and drugs designed to improve women’s health outcomes.

We hope the courts will reaffirm the FDA’s authority to decide which drugs are safe for consumers and block any medically unnecessary restrictions on medication access. Anything less is unacceptable. Women have always had abortions and will continue to do so regardless of courts and politics. The National Women’s Health Network will continue to advocate for a path forward for abortion access, free from stigma or the threat of criminalization. As this case continues to progress, we urge people to consult Plan C, the Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline, or Aid Access for up-to-date information on access from medical experts.

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The National Women’s Health Network, a 501c3 not for profit, represents the health interests of women across the life continuum with an intersectional focus on sexual and reproductive health, maternal health and the health and well-being of aging women. We work to improve women’s health outcomes through state and federal advocacy, consumer health education, and grassroots technical assistance initiatives. For more information about or programs, services and initiatives visit www.nwhn.org.