Medication Abortion Remains Available—But Under Increasing Threat

Reproductive Equity Now Outlines What the Latest Decision Means for Access to Medication Abortion

Boston, MA (April 8, 2026) – Taylor St. Germain, interim co-Executive Director with Reproductive Equity Now, released a statement following a federal district court's decision to place a hold on Louisiana v FDA, a case attempting to reinstate an in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone nationwide.

“Medication abortion, including mifepristone, remains safe, effective, and available in states where abortion is legal, including here in New England. While this outcome is certainly better than the dangerous nationwide restrictions Louisiana initially requested, by pausing this baseless litigation, the Court is giving time and credence to the Trump administration’s politically motivated ‘review’ of a medication that has long been proven safe and effective,” said Taylor St. Germain, interim co-Executive Director with Reproductive Equity Now. “In a post-Roe landscape, mifepristone has become a critical tool for ensuring access to abortion care, particularly for people in states where care is banned or restricted. Reproductive Equity Now will continue to fight back against these baseless attacks while simultaneously ensuring that people have the information and resources they need to access care.”

In December 2025, the state of Louisiana filed a lawsuit in federal district court seeking to force the FDA to reinstate a nationwide in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone—a move that would significantly restrict access to medication abortion. In response, the FDA asked the court to pause the case while it conducts an ongoing review of its mifepristone regulations, including the in-person dispensing requirement.

On April 7, the court granted the FDA’s request and placed the case on hold. The FDA is now required to provide a status update by October on the progress of its review,  and the court left open the possibility for Louisiana to renew its request to reimpose these restrictions.

While mifepristone remains safe and legal, developments like this can create confusion for patients and providers. Reproductive Equity Now operates an Abortion Legal Hotline, where pro bono attorneys are available to answer questions and provide guidance on accessing abortion care.

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