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Misoprostol Could Be Next
If the Supreme Court upholds new restrictions on mifepristone, the other abortion pill may be targeted too.
TL;DR
- A recent court ruling has created uncertainty around the availability of mifepristone, a key medication for abortion.
- Abortion providers are considering using misoprostol, the second drug in the abortion regimen, as a standalone option.
- Misoprostol-only abortion has a history of use, especially in regions with restrictive abortion laws, and newer studies suggest it is effective and safe.
- While misoprostol is more widely accessible and has fewer prescribing restrictions than mifepristone, it is also facing potential legal challenges, including arguments based on the Comstock Act and state-level classifications.
- The increasing reliance on misoprostol highlights its importance as a fallback option, but widespread restrictions could leave patients without alternatives.