On July 14 a Maryland Federal District Judge moved to nullify FDA safety restrictions on chemical abortion requiring physician supervision. The judge argued this requirement is a substantial obstacle for women during a pandemic. Removing doctors from chemical abortion administration allows drugs to be mailed to women directly. The FDA appealed the ruling and defended their safety protocols in light of the four-fold increased risk of complications from chemical abortion over surgical abortion. Their appeal was denied. Because women’s health is imminently threatened by deregulation, the Justice Department requested the Supreme Court rule on the matter. The Supremes said it needs to be argued further in the lower courts to be able to make a more informed decision.
How does reducing a woman’s access to her doctor while exposing her to increased risk improve women’s reproductive health?