Planned Parenthood of Greater New York Statement on Supreme Court Oral Arguments: Mifepristone, Like Abortion, is Essential Health Care
For Immediate Release: March 26, 2024
As this case continues, mifepristone remains on the market and FDA-approved
NEW YORK, NY – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a politically motivated lawsuit that challenges the FDA’s approval of mifepristone, a safe and effective drug commonly used for abortion. The case was brought by the anti-abortion movement to jeopardize the FDA’s credibility and further restrict access to abortion nationwide. The Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision in the case by late June. Mifepristone remains on the market and is FDA-approved.
Statement from Wendy Stark, President & CEO, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York:
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in another baseless lawsuit aimed at rolling back the clock to equitable access to mifepristone - a safe, effective, and decades-long approved abortion medication. This is not just another legal fight: It's a politically motivated effort to control our lives, our health, and our futures. Planned Parenthood of Greater New York calls on the Court to protect our ability to make our own medical decisions and preserve access to reproductive health care — something that is under dire threat in this country. Mifepristone, like abortion, is essential health care.
Important facts about mifepristone and the impact of this case:
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Mifepristone is safe, effective, and has been used by more than 5 million people in the United States for abortion and miscarriage care.
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Mifepristone has been FDA-approved for more than 23 years and is one of two medications most commonly used in medication abortion in the United States.
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Mifepristone will remain accessible without any potential medically unnecessary restrictions from the courts in states where abortion is legal at least until the Supreme Court rules on this case.
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Abortion bans and restrictions continue to do the most harm to Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities, rural communities, LGBTQ+ people, and young people — those who already face barriers to sexual and reproductive health care due to systemic racism and the resulting health inequities.
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The consequences of challenging the use of Mifepristone go far beyond abortion care — it could stifle medical innovation, upend the country’s drug approval process, and put every approved medication in the political crosshairs.
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About Planned Parenthood of Greater New York:
Planned Parenthood of Greater New York (PPGNY) is a leading provider, educator, and advocate of sexual and reproductive health care in New York State. PPGNY’s 23 health centers offer patients a wide range of services in-person and by telehealth. PPGNY is a trusted source of medically accurate, evidence-based information that empowers people to make informed decisions about their health and future. As a voice for reproductive freedom, PPGNY supports legislation and policies that ensure all New Yorkers have access to the full range of reproductive health services and education.