Repro Roundup: The Supreme Court will decide whether to hear a case about restricting access to abortion medication

Welcome to my column, The Repro Roundup, where I summarize abortion news happening around the country, why it matters, and what you can do about it — in 250 words or less.

What’s the issue? Today, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case about whether or not the FDA can once again require abortion patients to needlessly enter a clinic to obtain abortion medication. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the in-clinic requirements were lifted after a lawsuit was filed in May, which meant that pregnant people could meet with their provider via telehealth and get a prescription for abortion medication. This “no-test” protocol saved patients and staff from being exposed to one another and has proven to be extremely safe and effective (safer than Tylenol, Viagra, and penicillin).

However, the Trump administration has now been rejected twice from reinstating the regulations and the case will be decided by the Supreme Court.

Why does this matter? Self-managed abortion is extremely safe and it’s an empowering option for people who are historically oppressed by the medical institutions in this country, especially indigenous, Black, Hispanic/Latina, Asian, LGBTQ+, and immigrant women. During COVID, no-test protocols prevent the needless endangerment of both patients and clinic staff.

Because of the current make-up of the Court, it is highly likely that the regulations will be reinstated. Any measure that restricts access to abortion ultimately hurts women and vulnerable people.

What actions can I take?

• Read more about the case here.
• Read my previous Repro Roundup about an online pharmacy offering abortion medications for a low price
• Watch the National Women’s Health Network’s video on #FreeTheAbortionPill
• Sign the National Women’s Health Networks petition to the FDA
• Know your rights when discussing abortion information with Plan C’s guide
• Take a training with SASS USA on all-things self-managed abortion

• Subscribe to The Repro Queen of DC, my monthly newsletter on abortion access, activism, and writing on the frontlines of DC.
• Subscribe to Repro 101, a seven-week educational email series about all things repro. Topics include the basics of funding abortion, clinic escorting, anti-choice violence, and more.