Supreme Court weighs safety of abortion pill as court hears case on its accessibility

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to take on a case that may impact the accessibility of mifepristone, the essential medication required for medical abortions, on Tuesday.

The case stems from a challenge brought by the conservative Christian group Alliance Defending Freedom on behalf of Kentucky's secretary of health and human services, who argues that the FDA overlooked serious safety concerns with the drug.

The group claims that mifepristone, which is used in conjunction with misoprostol to terminate pregnancies, has been associated with "tens of thousands" of "emergency complications." However, the FDA approved the drug in 2000 and has since eased its restrictions due to its safety and effectiveness.

Medical organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Medical Association have filed a legal brief supporting mifepristone's accessibility, stating that major adverse events occur in less than 0.32% of patients.

They also emphasize that mifepristone's safety profile is comparable to that of ibuprofen, which is taken by more than 30 million Americans daily. The ACOG claims that the drug is "among the safest medications ever approved by the FDA."

However, the drug's label lists a range of serious adverse reactions, including transfusion (0.03% to 0.5% of cases), sepsis (0.2% of cases), and hospitalization (0.04% to 0.6% of cases).

Furthermore, the FDA-approved label suggests that patients who experience prolonged heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or high fever should seek emergency care.

While it is important to note that mifepristone is generally safe and effective, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of its potential risks and complications to ensure patient safety.

Patients should always consult with their healthcare providers to determine if mifepristone is appropriate for them and to discuss potential risks and alternatives.