The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday blocked lower court decisions banning or limiting the FDA approved use of the abortion pill mifepristone for the foreseeable future. But the justices, for now, left the case in the hands of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which has scheduled oral arguments in the case for May 17. However the Fifth Circuit rules, the case will almost certainly end up back at the Supreme Court, with the potential for a decision next term in the case.
The court’s action means that for now at least, the drug will be widely available, at least in those states where abortion is legal for up to 10 weeks.
The court’s action came on a vote of 7 to 2.
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