NAF Responds as Supreme Court Restores Temporary Nationwide Access to Mifepristone via Telehealth

Statement from Brittany Fonteno, President and CEO of The National Abortion Federation, on the Supreme Court’s decision to temporarily restore access to mifepristone via telehealth: 

“The National Abortion Federation is encouraged that the Supreme Court has temporarily restored nationwide access to mifepristone by mail, pausing the Fifth Circuit’s sweeping and dangerous restrictions. This decision provides critical, if temporary, relief for patients and providers and ensures that people can continue to access this essential medication through telehealth while the Court considers the case. 

“At the same time, this back-and-forth has created confusion and chaos for patients, providers, and health systems nationwide. The lower court’s ruling disregards the well-established safety and efficacy of the use of mifepristone via telehealth, and any future restriction will create medically unnecessary barriers to care for patients across the country.

“Mifepristone has been safely used for more than 25 years and is essential to abortion care and miscarriage management in the United States. For many patients, especially those in rural areas or facing financial and logistical barriers, access to telehealth is a critical component of holistic reproductive healthcare. 

“While this stay provides temporary relief as the case moves forward, the threat to mifepristone via telehealth still remains. Patients deserve dependable, evidence-based care without political interference, and NAF and our partners will continue to advocate for full, permanent access to mifepristone and ensure that patients can get the care they need, wherever they are.”