Abortion Foes Intensify Efforts to Restrict Access to Abortion Pills Through Lawsuits, State Laws, and Federal Actions

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Abortion foes are intensifying their efforts against abortion pills through a variety of legal and regulatory actions. These actions include lawsuits, proposed state laws, and potential federal interventions.
  1. Lawsuits and Legal Challenges:
    • Several states are renewing legal pushes to restrict access to mifepristone, one of the two drugs used in medication abortions. These states are reinstating requirements that the drug be dispensed in person, which could limit its availability and accessibility.
    • North Carolina and West Virginia have seen lawsuits challenging abortion pill restrictions, with supporters of abortion rights filing separate lawsuits to counter these measures.
  2. Proposed State Laws:
    • Texas has proposed a bill that would reclassify abortion drugs as controlled substances, following a model similar to a Louisiana law that has already created significant barriers to accessing these medications.
    • Louisiana lawmakers approved a bill that would classify two abortion-inducing drugs as controlled and dangerous substances, marking a significant step in restricting access to these medications.
  3. Potential Federal Actions:
    • There are ongoing discussions and potential actions at the federal level that could further restrict access to abortion pills. Some anti-abortion groups are advocating for the enforcement of the Comstock Act, a long-dormant 1873 law that they believe could be used to make it a federal crime to send or receive abortion medications.
  4. Supreme Court Involvement:
    • The U.S. Supreme Court has been involved in several cases related to abortion pills. While it has upheld access to mifepristone in some instances, the legal landscape remains uncertain, with ongoing legal battles that could lead to further restrictions.
These combined efforts by abortion foes indicate a concerted strategy to limit access to abortion pills through a mix of legal challenges, state legislation, and potential federal actions. The outcome of these efforts could significantly impact the availability of medication abortions across the United States.