Decision preserves access to most common method of abortion
LANSING, Mich. (June 14, 2024) — Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to maintain access to medication abortion and rejected attempts by anti-abortion extremists to roll back advancements in how medication abortion is provided. Despite this ruling, access to mifepristone remains limited, with state bans and restrictions still standing.
“As relieved as I am about the ruling, this case never should’ve made it to the Supreme Court,” said Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Detroit). “The fact that it did shows just how fractured the reproductive rights landscape is and just how determined anti-abortion forces are to disrupt and deny people’s reproductive freedom. Despite this ruling, many pregnant people in the country will still lack access to medication abortion due to state bans and restrictions on telehealth. Protecting access to medication abortion is essential because it provides a nonsurgical option and is helpful for those living in rural communities. Furthermore, those who can become pregnant deserve to be given the power and freedom to make their own medical decisions, without outside judgment or interference like this ruling attempted to do.”
Mifepristone is a safe, effective medication used in more than half of all abortions that has been U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA)-approved for 20+ years. Despite its track record of safety, the medication has become a target of anti-abortion politicians and judges in recent years, with 15 states banning the use of telehealth for medication abortion.
Last year, Sen. Geiss joined over 600 lawmakers across 49 states in submitting an amicus brief calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to review this case and reject a lower court ruling that would have undermined the FDA’s authority and reversed over 20 years of advancements in care. The lawmakers mobilized as members of State Innovation Exchange’s (SiX) Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council.
“Dismissing this case doesn’t reverse the damage that courts and anti-abortion extremists have already done,” said Jennifer Driver, Senior Director of Reproductive Rights at State Innovation Exchange. “For over a year, our judicial system has left people confused about what their options are when it comes to medication abortion, an incredibly safe and effective method for abortion care. While the Supreme Court did the bare minimum today, we know anti-abortion extremists aren’t stopping any time soon. We are clear-eyed about the future – the fight for abortion access is in the states, and we must recognize the power state legislators hold when it comes to protecting care. We’re working hand in hand with state legislators to secure and protect abortion access so that people on the ground can get the care they need.”
SiX’s Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council is the nation’s only cross-state network of state legislators who support reproductive health, rights, and justice. Lawmakers turn to SiX for the tools, support, and connections they need to champion bold, progressive public policy.
Michigan has some of the strongest protections of reproductive healthcare in the country. In 2023, the Michigan Legislature signed the Reproductive Health Act into law which includes repealing medically unnecessary regulations that apply only to abortion care and facilities and removing reporting requirements and administrative burdens that are not placed on any other providers in the healthcare field.
Additionally, Sen. Geiss took the lead on repealing Michigan’s outdated 1931 abortion ban in 2021 after Proposal 3, enshrining the right to abortion in Michigan’s constitution, was passed by voters in November of 2020.
“Cases like this remind us that while these accomplishments in Michigan are monumental, they can be challenged and are contingent on preserving access to reproductive healthcare for all,” said Sen. Geiss.
###