President Joe Biden applauded the Supreme Court's decision to shoot down a lower court's ruling that would have limited access to the abortion drug mifepristone while a case challenging the drug’s approval makes its way through the courts. This marks a rare legal victory for abortion rights activists at the nation's highest court given its heavily conservative lean recently.
Republicans, on the other hand, appeared to have a muted response. Former President Donald Trump, former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the National Right to Life did not immediately issue statements regarding this matter.
The Supreme Court’s decision keeps mifepristone on the market indefinitely while the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals considers a case challenging its FDA approval status. The move comes at the end of a week filled with uncertainty over the future of this medication after earlier decisions only paused restrictions for a few days at a time.
Justice Samuel Alito dissented from this order pausing mifepristone restrictions from taking effect. He argued that "the government had not dispelled legitimate doubts that it would even obey an unfavorable order in these cases." Furthermore, he suggested that if they failed in court, "the FDA may have leveraged its practice of enforcement discretion."
Justice Clarence Thomas indicated he would also deny administration requests related to mifepristone but chose not to join Justice Alito's statement.
President Biden expressed his satisfaction with this recent development: "This is an important step forward in ensuring women across our country can maintain their reproductive rights and health without unnecessary obstacles."
However, anti-abortion groups remain determined amidst these setbacks. Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), stated: “We will continue fighting for every unborn child’s right-to-life no matter what hurdles are placed before us.”
As the legal battle over mifepristone's approval status continues, the Supreme Court's decision provides temporary relief for those seeking access to this abortion medication. The outcome of the case in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals will undoubtedly have significant implications for reproductive rights across America.