May 2, 2026, 6:41 p.mMay 2, 2026, 6:41 p.m
Mifepristone is used for abortions – it is now to be even more strictly regulated in the USA.Image: keystone
In the US, a federal appeals court has temporarily severely restricted access to abortion pills by mail. A panel of judges in New Orleans on Friday suspended a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rule that had allowed the drug mifepristone to be shipped via telemedicine prescription. This means that providers are initially only allowed to hand out the medication in person at clinics or doctor’s offices.
The decision affects central access to abortion in the USA. With the landmark ruling Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court established a nationwide right to abortion in 1973. However, the law was overturned in 2022, allowing states to issue their own, sometimes very strict, bans.
The state of Louisiana had now filed a lawsuit against the drug authority. He argues that the ability to receive abortion pills by mail undermines his near-total ban on abortion. According to US media reports, the court initially followed this argument. The restriction therefore applies immediately, the proceedings in the matter are still ongoing.
Most important route for abortions
The FDA rule in question goes back to relaxations resulting from the corona pandemic: in 2021 the authority lifted the requirement to visit a doctor in person, and in 2023 this regulation was made permanent. Since then, telemedical prescriptions with subsequent delivery by post have developed into one of the most important methods for abortions. It is estimated that a significant proportion of abortions now take place this way, according to US media reports.
Immediately after the verdict, manufacturer Danco Laboratories requested a stay of the decision for a week to allow time for an appeal to the Supreme Court. Otherwise, the company wants to immediately file an urgent application with the Supreme Court.
According to US media, abortion supporters warned of far-reaching consequences. The decision will make access to abortion more difficult nationwide, particularly for people in rural areas or with low incomes, it said. New York State Attorney General Letitia James called the decision a “cruel attack” on abortion access without a scientific basis. The restrictions put human lives at risk. In New York, access to abortions remains protected. (sda/dpa)