The U.S. Supreme Court is temporarily restoring access to the abortion drug mifepristone after a Louisiana judge briefly blocked telehealth and mail delivery.
The sudden shift left providers scrambling and patients adjusting.
Right now, access to mifepristone returns to where it was after a ruling late last week by a Louisiana judge blocked access to the abortion drug via mail and telehealth.
Planned Parenthood of Northern New England President and CEO Nicole Clegg said that, as of Monday morning, the organization’s patients already have started using misoprostol, typically the second option after mifepristone.
“While we can manage and make the change, it’s the patient that’s been impacted, because they’re losing the best option of it that could be available,” Clegg said.
Studies show misoprostol, when taken alone, is 93% effective as a first-trimester abortion method.
When both mifepristone and misoprostol are taken together, it’s 96-98% effective.
“There is so much wrong with that medication,” Maine Right to Life Executive Director Michael McClellan said.
The pro-life advocacy group Maine Right to Life calls the ruling Monday a disappointment.
“We’ve heard so many horror stories of women who had no idea what taking this medication was going to do to them,” McClellan said. “Mental health issues. There can be physical issues. It’s actually possible that you can lose the ability to have a future baby.”
Both drugs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which says typical side effects from taking both drugs include cramping, bleeding, nausea and vomiting, and in more serious cases, severe infections.
For years, the FDA has said in-person doctor visits are not required to receive mifepristone.
Clegg said nearly 65-70% of their patients choose medications to facilitate their abortions.
“Being able to mail the drugs can be a lifesaver,” Clegg said. “Especially in a rural state like Maine, where you don’t have to think about how far you have to travel or getting time off from work and childcare.”
Planned Parenthood believes the change, which is now on pause, would create barriers in states where abortion is legal, like Maine.
