Mifepristone Access Swings In The Balance In Post-Roe World

30 Million US Women Of Reproductive Age Have Now Lost Abortion Access

The US Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, but numerous avenues could help to preserve access to abortion drug mifepristone – if legislators and lawmakers are willing to walk down them.

Protestor holding a sign reading 'Abortion is healthcare'
Around 40% of reproductive-age women in the US have now lost access to abortion care • Source: Shutterstock

Since the US Supreme Court’s ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization on 24 June, which overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade judgement that conferred the constitutional right to an abortion, over a dozen states have moved to enact restrictions on the procedure.

How Is A Medical Abortion Performed?

In a medical abortion, two different medications are taken: mifepristone, which blocks the action of progesterone on the uterus and prevents further growth of the pregnancy, followed 24 to 48 hours later by misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. In the US, this process is approved for use up to 10 weeks gestation. In 2020, medication abortion accounted for 54% of abortions in the US according to the Guttmacher Institute.

While mifepristone is primarily used to terminate pregnancy, misoprostol has numerous indications outside of abortion, including preventing stomach and duodenal ulcers, inducing labor and treating postpartum bleeding.

Eleven states are currently enforcing near-total abortion bans, while six others have implemented restrictions on access to the procedure since...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on In Vivo for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Market Access

AI In Health Delivery: Patients Most Confident When HCPs Are In Charge

 
• By 

Annual survey of patients and professionals shows how attitudes to health system transformation are evolving and what stakeholders are demanding as acceptance of AI tools accelerates.

US Health System Redesign Critical, NAM’s Medical Experts Warn Trump Government

 
• By 

The whirlwind back-and-forth on US tariffs and Robert F. Kennedy jr.’s plans to deregulate health care have become all-preoccupying, but the National Academy of Medicine was first to set out President Trump’s health administration priorities.

Future Of 340B Rebate Models Hinges On Regulatory Decision Point

 
• By 

As pharmaceutical companies seek to transform how drug discounts are delivered under the 340B program, a federal ruling reinforces HRSA's authority. The industry must now wait for critical guidance from the Trump administration that could reshape compliance strategies and financial outcomes.

Digital Transformation At The FDA: Generative AI Set To Transform Drug Review Process

 
• By 

The FDA plans to implement generative AI for drug reviews by 30 June 2025, enhancing efficiency and potentially accelerating approval processes. Discussions with OpenAI about AI integration are ongoing.

More from In Vivo

AI In Health Delivery: Patients Most Confident When HCPs Are In Charge

 
• By 

Annual survey of patients and professionals shows how attitudes to health system transformation are evolving and what stakeholders are demanding as acceptance of AI tools accelerates.

Medtech Innovators Court London-Based Investors At BioWales 2025

 
• By 

BioWales in London 2025 showcased the efforts healthtech innovators are making to meet investors on their own turf, illustrating changing attitudes and evolving needs.

Rising Leaders 2025: Metsera’s Whit Bernard’s Musical Path To Biotech Leadership

 
• By 

Metsera CEO Whit Bernard applies an unconventional leadership philosophy to develop next-generation obesity therapeutics, including monthly GLP-1 injections and oral peptides.