Anti-abortion advocates gathered outside the US Supreme Court in Washington, holding signs urging justices to uphold a federal court's decision to halt the Food and Drug Administration's approval of Mifepristone, a medication used for abortions.

The activists, aiming to sway the Supreme Court's stance on Mifepristone, cite research from Gynuity Health Projects to argue against its safety, despite decades of regulatory approval. However, Dr. Beverly Winikoff of Gynuity expressed bewilderment at how their research, which supports easier access to the medication, is being misrepresented.

Set against the backdrop of the 2022 Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, President Biden's administration is challenging a lower court's ruling that relaxed FDA regulations on Mifepristone. A decision in favor of the plaintiffs could diminish federal oversight on drug safety.

The plaintiffs, represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, claim they merely presented FDA-characterized studies to the court. However, opponents argue that the medication's safety has been extensively demonstrated over years of use.

Mifepristone, used in conjunction with misoprostol, constitutes over 60% of abortions in the US. Republican-led states have enforced various abortion restrictions post-2022, with some targeting medication abortion.

The plaintiffs, comprising medical associations and doctors opposed to abortion, argue that relaxed FDA regulations endanger women. Changes included extending the medication's use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy and allowing mail delivery without in-person consultation.

Despite FDA assurances of Mifepristone's safety, plaintiffs question the agency's judgment, citing Gynuity studies. However, these studies report rare serious adverse events, with emergency room visits often not indicating severe issues.

Dr. Daniel Grossman of the University of California emphasized that patients using telemedicine for medication abortion may resort to emergency departments for non-severe concerns.

The dispute intensified when Sage retracted studies from the anti-abortion Charlotte Lozier Institute, cited by the plaintiffs. Despite this, plaintiffs remain confident in their case based on FDA statements.

The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals previously upheld a lower court's decision favoring the plaintiffs, criticizing FDA regulations. The decision awaits Supreme Court review, with a ruling expected by June.

Regardless of the outcome, advocates believe medication abortion will persist as a vital healthcare option.

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