The Massachusetts Medical Society credits the Supreme Court for today’s ruling to preserve access to mifepristone, while a lawsuit brought by anti-abortion groups targeting the pill proceeds. Mifepristone is one of two drugs taken as part of a medication
abortion (MAB) regimen, which is the predominant process for ending a pregnancy in the United States. The Medical Society understands the complex decision faced by the Supreme Court justices; but, as physicians, it is troubling to see how access to
abortion care has reverted to the place where we now stand.
This decision will maintain access to mifepristone for use in MAB for the time being without imposing further restricting measures, which would have had a drastic effect on the health care of certain pregnant individuals and those experiencing miscarriages.
These impacts would be especially exacerbated for those who are subject to the inequities in maternal health and health care.
The Medical Society commends the swift response of Massachusetts’ Healey-Driscoll Administration, which issued Executive Order 609 on April 10, affirming the application of protections outlined in Massachusetts’ 2022 shield law and clarifying that continued
use of mifepristone (including prescribing, dispensing, or administration) is considered lawful and consistent with good medical practice. The MMS is grateful for the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and so many elected officials for
their support of physicians and reproductive health care providers.
Abortion is health care and must remain legal, equitable, and accessible.
-Theodore A. Calianos, II, MD, FACS, President, Massachusetts Medical Society
