FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Media Relations
Statement from APHA Executive Director Georges C. Benjamin, MD
“In a unanimous ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court today rejected a lawsuit challenging the regulatory approach of the Food and Drug Administration on mifepristone, a vital medication used in medication abortion procedures.
This ruling is a win for reproductive rights amid continued attacks on abortion access. Mifepristone has been proven to be a safe and effective method for terminating pregnancies at an early stage, providing individuals with a non-invasive option for abortion care. Access to mifepristone is not a luxury but a basic healthcare necessity, and its restriction would have jeopardized the health and lives of countless individuals who rely on this medication.
Today, we celebrate knowing that access to this vital medication won’t be limited by unnecessary barriers in the path of individuals seeking reproductive healthcare, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities and exacerbating existing health disparities. Unfortunately, rejecting the lawsuit on the grounds that the plaintiffs didn’t have standing to sue may mean a similar case could work its way through the courts in the years ahead.
APHA will continue to stand in solidarity with advocates, health care providers and individuals across the nation in the fight to protect and expand access to reproductive healthcare, including access to mifepristone.”
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The American Public Health Association champions optimal, equitable health and well-being for all. With our broad-based member community and 150-year perspective, we influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.