Abortion rights

The decision indefinitely blocks an appeals court ruling that would have restricted availability of the drug, especially in states with strict anti-abortion laws.

The justices are still considering what next steps to take in a case that could block availability of the abortion pill mifepristone by mail.

The decision means mifepristone remains available nationwide without an in-person meeting required while litigation continues.

The ruling reinstates a requirement that mifepristone — one of the two pills used in medication abortions — be distributed in person.

The policy already blocked U.S. funds from going to foreign organizations that provide, counsel or refer patients for abortion services.

The justices sided with the state’s only abortion clinic and others who sued over the bans passed since 2022, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

Democrats say that’s a nonstarter, arguing there are already limits on abortion access. The dispute could torpedo a deal, leading to higher health insurance premiums for millions.

The eight people were indicted and accused of practicing medicine without a license under the supervision of midwife Maria Margarita Rojas, the state attorney general said.

The approval of a generic for the medication mifepristone comes weeks after RFK Jr. pledged that the FDA would review the drug's safety.

A report by a nonprofit legal group found that most cases of pregnancy-related crimes involved allegations of drug use.