Are restrictions coming?

US court hears case on abortion pill

On Tuesday, the US Supreme Court will hear a case on access to the abortion pill mifepristone. Opponents of abortion want to make access to medication abortion more difficult with their lawsuit.

The Supreme Court will hear the arguments of both sides from 3 p.m. CET. The mifepristone pill was approved in the USA back in 2000. Last year, however, an appeals court imposed access restrictions, which have not yet come into force as the legal dispute continues. 

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), mifepristone is a reliable medication. It is sent by post across state borders and can be taken at home. Since the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to abortion almost two years ago, the drug has gained in importance. Currently, the parliaments in the individual federal states can regulate by law whether abortions are permitted or not. This has created a legal patchwork.

Ruling expected later
Opponents of abortion have filed a lawsuit against the approval of mifepristone. A verdict is not expected until a later date. However, the position of the judges could become clear at the hearing on Tuesday.

In Europe, there is also a drug with the active ingredient mifepristone on the market, but it is called Mifegyne.