The U.S. Supreme Court is weighing whether to allow nationwide telehealth access to the abortion drug mifepristone, following a federal appeals court ruling that would reinstate in-person dispensing requirements.
The case, originating from Louisiana, has significant implications for Yolo County, California, and nationwide. - A 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on May 1 blocked telemedicine access to mifepristone nationwide.
- The Supreme Court temporarily stayed that decision until May 11, allowing telehealth prescriptions to continue. - The Department of Justice did not file a brief defending the FDA's 2023 rule, drawing criticism.
- Nearly two dozen Democratic-led states, including California, have asked the Supreme Court to keep the decision on hold. The Supreme Court is expected to decide soon on whether to extend the stay or allow the appeals court ruling to take effect, affecting patients in Yolo County and beyond.