In the United States, opponents of abortion increasingly concentrate their efforts on blocking access to abortion pills-the most common method of terminating a pregnancy.
Just recently, the Texas attorney general sued a New York doctor for prescribing abortion pills by telemedicine to a patient in Texas. The case could challenge state laws enacted to shield providers who reach across borders to offer their services.
As of 2022, the CDC reported that more than half of US abortions involved medication, typically a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol. These drugs, though different from Plan B emergency contraceptives, are effective. Not only have abortion pills prescribed via telehealth mushroomed in popularity, but democratic-led states have also enacted protections for providers who prescribe them, ensuring access even to states with the toughest abortion bans.
Trump Admin Expected to Block Abortion Pills
Texas' lawsuit against a New York doctor is part of another way by anti-abortion advocates to restrict access to the pill. Even though laws such as New York's are meant to protect providers, experts say winning such lawsuits will scare some off, but access will continue to be available through other routes.
According to AP News, other states, including Louisiana, have passed laws that make access to these medications more difficult by classifying them as controlled substances, which creates concerns about delayed emergency care.
There could be another role played by the federal government. The newly elected Trump administration can influence changes to FDA regulations or compel the application of older laws prohibiting the mailing of abortion drugs. It would send abortion rights groups into panic because Trump had a mixed record on this matter.
The legal fight and legislation would be something to expect in 2025, and debate on abortion pills will certainly take its place at the top of reproductive rights discussion in the US.
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