The Supreme Court Is Weighing in on Mailing Abortion Pills. For Now, the Pills Are Still Available. | Nonprofit Quarterly | Civic News. Empowering Nonprofits. Advancing Justice.

"On May 4, the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily halted an appeals court's decision that would have barred prescribing mifepristone - one of two drugs used in most medication abortions - through telehealth, despite medical research supporting the Food and Drug Administration's 2023 decision to allow virtual care."

"The Supreme Court's decision extends until 5 p.m. ET May 11, and is meant to give the high court time to weigh in on a contentious issue that was last before the court only two years ago. The case could substantially reshape the availability of abortion, less than four years after the overturn of Roe v. Wade."

"Medical providers practicing in states with specific abortion protections prescribe and mail two abortion medications - mifepristone and misoprostol - to people seeking care in states with bans. Even in states without abortion restrictions, patients are increasingly turning to telehealth, which can be more convenient than going to a clinic."

"Data from the Society of Family Planning suggests that as many as 1 in 4 abortions are now done through telehealth. About half of those are for people in states with abortion bans or heavy restrictions. Here is the latest on what you need to know about mifepristone's availability and what to expect next."

The Supreme Court temporarily halted an appeals court decision that would have barred prescribing mifepristone through telehealth. The pause lasts until 5 p.m. ET May 11, allowing time for the Supreme Court to weigh in on a dispute that returned to the Court after two years. The outcome could significantly affect abortion access less than four years after Roe v. Wade was overturned. Telehealth-focused practices expanded as states began banning abortion, with providers in protected states prescribing and mailing mifepristone and misoprostol to patients in restrictive states. Data indicates many abortions now occur through telehealth, including a substantial share for people in states with bans or heavy restrictions. Providers plan to continue offering mifepristone through telehealth.

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