Although these pharmacies dispensing the drug marks a victory for reproductive freedom, a looming Supreme Court case could cut off access to the medication in states where abortion is still legal.
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has called abortion “murder,” compared the procedure to slavery, and said that he would support a total abortion ban in North Carolina, without any exceptions.
Opill is the first ever birth control pill to be approved for over-the-counter sales. The medication will likely become available at stores and online retailers in the U.S. in early 2024.
Women have suffered through ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages, fetal anomalies, and other complications, but have found it difficult to get the care they need due to restrictive abortion bans.
The bill also makes it more difficult to access care, and implements hugely restrictive regulations on abortion clinics, which could force many of them to close their doors.
The 5th Circuit’s ruling maintains mifepristone’s availability for now, but severely limits access in ways that could harm patients seeking abortion care.
Access to the abortion medication mifepristone has been called into question following the issuance of competing rulings in Texas and Washington.
