Abortion access in Georgia in uncertain state; Ga., Fla., D.C. courts weigh bans

Abortion rights activists notched a short-term victory Friday when the U.S. Supreme Court decided to continue to allow access to the abortion drug mifepristone as a lawsuit over its approval continues, but Georgians on both sides of the issue expect the uncertain situation to continue to evolve.

“This decision extends an order pausing dangerous lower court orders that would severely restrict access to mifepristone and threaten the FDA’s science-based drug approval process,” said Georgia Senate Minority Leader Gloria Butler in a statement following the decision. “But make no mistake – mifepristone’s approval is very much still in jeopardy, and in the midst of the abortion access crisis, this medication must be protected.”

Claire Bartlett, executive director of the anti-abortion Georgia Life Alliance, characterized the drug as dangerous and untested, and she predicted an eventual win.