On this edition of Your Call, we discuss a court decision that could reverse FDA approval of mifepristone, one of two drugs used in over half of abortions. By 2021, over half of abortions in the US were medication abortions.
Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointed conservative judge with deep anti-abortion views, is hearing the case this morning in Amarillo, Texas.
A coalition led by the Alliance Defending Freedom, an anti-abortion group, filed the lawsuit challenging the FDA's two decades old approval of mifepristone, despite documented evidence that it is a safe and effective method of pregnancy termination.
Some legal scholars argue that Judge Kacsmaryk does not have the authority to force the FDA to withdraw approval of the drug.
Guest:
Rachel Rebouché, Dean and Professor of Law at Temple University, and co-author of the legal article, The New Abortion Battleground
Web Resources:
The Guardian: Texas judge hears case brought by far-right groups seeking to ban abortion pill
The Texas Tribune: Federal judge at center of FDA abortion drug case has history with conservative causes
Ms.: The Same Dark Money Groups That Helped Overturn Roe Are Also Behind Attacks on Abortion Pill
Slate: Actually, One Texas Judge Is Not the Final Decision-Maker on Medication Abortion
The Washington Post: After unusual delay, Texas judge announces abortion-pill hearing
The Washington Post: Can I get a medication abortion? How a Texas lawsuit could change access
Slate: The Litigants Trying to Ban the Abortion Pill Have Some Truly Wild Legal Claims
