More than half of all U.S. abortions are medically induced by Mifepristone and Misoprostol, a two-pill regimen. While these pills require a prescription from a doctor, they avoid the concept of surgery altogether. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022, popularity rates for this product are expected to rise. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a new and permanent rule that enables retail pharmacies to fill prescriptions for Mifepristone and Misoprostol. A medicated abortion can cost up to around 800 dollars, but it is often less. The average cost for these pills at Planned Parenthood is about 580 dollars. Considering a typical surgical abortion with Planned Parenthood can be up to 2,300-dollar per procedure, the accessibility of getting an abortion has become much easier in states that permit these pills.
However, in places with strict anti-abortion bans, these pills have sparked controversy, and pregnant individuals in such areas are finding it challenging to get their hands on the medication.
What is Mifepristone, and how does it work?
Mifepristone was created in the 1980s by the French drug company, Roussel-Uclaf, and is a pill regimen used to terminate pregnancies of up to 10 weeks. Mifepristone works when it is followed up with a dose of Misoprostol, typically taken 24 to 48 hours later. This abortion pill is not to be confused with the morning-after pill, which delays ovulation.
When taken, Mifepristone blocks the body’s receptor for the hormone progesterone and disrupts the gestation process in its early stages. Misoprostol then provokes contractions so that the uterus removes what is left of the pregnancy, causing heavy bleeding and cramping.
According to Planned Parenthood, this medical abortion process for most individuals feels like having an early miscarriage, which includes symptoms like cramping, heavier bleeding than normal, pain in one's stomach, pelvis or back and feeling weak.
What kind of change is the FDA’s new rule implementing?
This medication has been approved by the FDA for more than two decades. Despite its authorization, the only way to access the drug has been from certified clinics, due to safety concerns (even though sufficient evidence demonstrates the method’s safety and effectiveness). However, on Jan. 10, 2023, the FDA announced its revision of access to the drug Mifepristone, stating that previous restrictions are no longer necessary. Now, doctors are also able to prescribe the pill via Telehealth appointments.
Because big pharmacy chains can now carry and fill prescriptions for Mifepristone, this medication can be available at any local drugstore or pharmacy retailer.
What does this mean for anti-abortion states?
Pregnant people living in states that already limit or ban abortion will likely not benefit from this new rule.
According to the Guttmacher Institute, 29 states specifically require physicians to administer medicated abortions. Eighteen of those states have already banned the pills used in Telemedicine, meaning people must schedule an appointment with no guarantee of actually getting Mifepristone. Texas became one of the first states to ban the pills after seven weeks of pregnancy.
Community Perspective: How does a female-identifying senior at Redwood feel about this pill?
Senior Magx Auerbach, vice president of the Democratic Club, relays her perspective on the topic.
“It is incredibly important to have safe methods for termination of pregnancies. Considering that more than half of abortions done in the U.S. are attributed to this particular drug combination, under no circumstances should it be removed from the market, especially when the brunt of the impact will be felt by marginalized communities,” Auerbach said.
Why are there lawsuits against the FDA for this pill? What exactly is the controversy about?
Currently, the FDA is in a legal battle with anti-abortion physicians, legislators and activists who have directed the push against abortion medication, saying that easing prescription requirements is dangerous.
The Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, the organization spearheading the lawsuit, asked a federal district court in Dallas late last year to declare the FDA’s approval of Mifepristone as unlawful, hoping to remove the pill from the U.S. market entirely. The court could issue a ruling as soon as Feb. 10, when it will be fully briefed.
In their complaint, the anti-abortion physicians argue that the FDA abused its power by approving Mifepristone. They contend pregnancy is not an illness, Mifepristone is not more safe and effective than surgical abortion and that the FDA’s actions have put patients’ health at risk.
The FDA, however, determined Mifepristone is a safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy more than two decades ago based on extensive scientific evidence, the agency’s lawyers wrote. According to the FDA, decades of experience from thousands of women and their physicians have confirmed that Mifepristone is safer than surgical abortion or childbirth.
Community Perspective: How does a wellness professional feel about Mifepristone?
Cassandra Beck, marriage and family therapist trainee, elaborates on why as a medical professional she is in support of the abortion pill.
“Outlawing abortions really just means outlawing safe abortions. It is important to lower the many barriers women face when it comes to accessing drugs like birth control and other abortion methods. I am in support of this pill as it allows people to have an abortion in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by friends or family, versus the typical visit to the sterile clinic environment. Ultimately, having more access to something that gives people more options, I am really for and I support,” Beck said.
Where to find help and resources:
If you want to talk to someone or need additional resources/support, you can receive guidance and counseling in Wellness in Room 103. Additionally, sign up to be a part of Redwoods Sexual Health Clinic Services, where a third party (non-school affiliated) can confidentially connect you or your friends with outside services and programs free of charge.
Credits:
Created with images by Rafa Fernandez - "White round pills in a silver plated blister" • Piman Khrutmuang - "blur shelves of drugs in the pharmacy with shopping cart" • PIC SNIPE - "Professional lawyer considering with contract papers in courtroom. Justice, Law, Attorney and Court judge concept." Art by Calla McBride.