Medication Abortion in the Post Dobbs World: Current Litigation and its Effects on Access to an Abortion

This virtual webinar will discuss mifepristone and misoprostol, the drugs used in medication abortions; the increase in this safe non-invasive option for an abortion post Dobbs; and the Food and Drug Administration’s decision to place these drugs on and off the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) list.  It will then turn to the recent litigation concerning mifepristone, including a Texas District Court’s decision staying the FDA’s approval of the drug, the subsequent 5th Circuit Court ruling that overturned the stay, but restricted access to the drug, and the Supreme Court’s order to lift those restrictions while appeals are heard by the lower courts.  The panel will also discuss preemption lawsuits challenging state laws that restrict access to mifepristone.  Finally, the panel will explain how this litigation is affecting the ability to get an abortion and how lawmakers can protect access to medication abortions.