WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — Abortion rights took center stage in Washington D.C. as the Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that would restrict access to the abortion pill, mifepristone.
It was the first abortion rights-related case at the Supreme Court since the overturning of Roe V. Wade in June 2022.
After hearing arguments, the high court seemed likely to preserve access to the medication.
“One of the things that was really, really heartening regardless of what was happening with the arguments inside was the immense amount of energy from people outside the court,” said Cole Wojdacz, statewide field manager at Pro-Choice Ohio.
She went with a group of central Ohioans to Washington D.C. to protest restrictions to the pill.
“We really will feel the impact and effects of these bans most heavily in Ohio if the Supreme Court decides to rule the wrong way. That is going to immediately and dramatically restrict access to these pills in Ohio and Ohioans are using these pills not only for abortion care but miscarriage management,” she said.
Opponents of the abortion pill argue the FDA overlooked safety concerns when easing access to mifepristone, including making it available by mail.
“We are against all abortions whether it is chemical abortions or surgical abortions. We are against all abortions but as long as abortion is legal and the pill is legal, there ought to be common sense limits restrictions requirements,” said Mark Harrington, who advocates against abortion as president of Created Equal.
Harrington is hoping the Supreme Court will rule in favor of increasing restrictions on mifepristone.
“If abortion is gonna be legal, abortion pill is gonna be legal. There should be restrictions on it and these are common sense restrictions,” he said.
The Supreme Court is expected to make a decision on the future of the abortion pill in July.