health
May 4, 2026
Alito temporarily restores FDA rule allowing abortion pill mifepristone to be sent by mail
Washington — Justice Samuel Alito on Monday temporarily halted an appellate court order that blocked a Food and Drug Administration rule allowing the abortion pill mifepristone to be prescribed online and dispensed through the mail.
TL;DR
- Justice Samuel Alito issued a temporary administrative stay on an appellate court order that blocked the FDA rule allowing mifepristone to be prescribed online and mailed.
- The stay is in effect until 5 p.m. on May 11, providing more time for the Supreme Court to consider requests from Danco Laboratories and GenBioPro.
- Anti-abortion groups are seeking to restrict mifepristone access, claiming the FDA did not adequately consider its safety.
- The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals had previously agreed to temporarily block the 2023 rule, citing legal standing based on Louisiana's Medicaid program covering emergency care for complications.
- The drug companies argue the 5th Circuit's order creates immediate confusion and upheaval for patients and providers.