Repro Roundup: The Supreme Court will not decide to reinstate law about abortion medication, case heads to MD federal court

Welcome to my column, The Repro Roundup, in which 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: The Supreme Court has decided not to reinstate a Trump administration rule that required patients to meet with a clinician in person in order to be prescribed abortion medication, according to The Hill on October 8th. During the coronavirus pandemic, the rule was suspended in order to prevent the endangerment of the patients, staff, and volunteers who work in abortion clinics from being exposed to the virus. Now, a Maryland federal trial court has 40 days to rule on the administration’s request.

Why does this matter? Like I wrote in a previous Roundup why being able to access “not-test” abortion care is crucial not only during a pandemic but for many marginalized people. Additionally, given that about 20% of patients have to travel 50+ miles to their nearest clinic (not their preferred clinic, mind you) this relieves enormous barriers for patients.

What actions can I take?

• Read my last Roundup about this case and take action at the bottom of the piece! Everything listed is still relevant and timely.

• 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.