Whiplash over remote access to abortion medication nationwide

What this episode covers

It’s still uncertain if an abortion medication can be prescribed over telehealth. Mifepristone is one of two drugs used to terminate a pregnancy before 10 weeks and to treat miscarriages, but could require an in-person visit before it’s dispensed, depending on a U.S. Supreme Court decision.  In 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a rule that allowed mifepristone to be dispensed through telehealth appointments. However, the state of Louisiana says the policy undermines their state law banning abortion and sued the FDA. On May 1, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals took Louisiana's side and blocked remote access to abortion medication nationwide. However, that was paused when the U.S. Supreme Court issued a temporary stay on May 4. Now, the Supreme Court ruled telehealth abortion can resume while Louisiana's lawsuit continues. In Episode 28, you’ll hear from Professor Jessica Waters to understand how the abortion policies from just one state are upending access nationally. Waters is the director of the American University School of Public Affairs Leadership Program. Her research focuses on reproductive rights law and policy.  States like Florida, Oklahoma and Texas already have laws that specifically ban providers from mailing abortion pills to patients.  Iowa is on its way to join that list, after state legislators sent a bill to the governor’s desk. You’ll hear from Iowa Capital Dispatch reporter, Robin Opsahl, who has been covering the debate.  Finally, Daybreak newsletter author Madyson Fitzgerald shares the top stories she’s watching. Episode produced and edited by Mallory Cheng. Music for Stories From The States composed by David Singer. Click here for the full transcript. Relevant reading from States Newsroom outlets and partners:  US Supreme Court rules telehealth abortion can resume while lawsuit continues (Stateline) Iowa House votes to restrict abortion medication, requiring in-person prescriptions (Iowa Capital Dispatch) KY AG weighs in on abortion medication, asks SCOTUS to block telehealth prescriptions (Kentucky Lantern) Rhetoric versus reality: Facts about the abortion pill (States Newsroom) Photo: A hearing in the Louisiana v. Food and Drug Administration case on telehealth access to abortion medication took place at the John M. Shaw U.S. Courthouse in Lafayette, La., in late February. (Photo by Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)