FDA Expands Abortion Pill Access

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized a rule change on Tuesday that allows anyone with a prescription to purchase certain abortion pills from any certified retail pharmacy or mail order service.

For Context: Certified pharmacies will now provide mifepristone, which is the first of two medications needed to induce a medicated abortion, directly to the patient. Previously, the pills were only available through a few mail order services or in person from a doctor or clinic. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a necessary hormone for pregnancy.  Misoprostol, which is taken 1–2 days after mifepristone to induce contractions and expel pregnancy tissue, is already available over the counter. Medicated abortions account for over half of the abortions in the U.S. today. Over 3.7 million women have used mifepristone since it was approved by the FDA in 2000. 

What's Next: CVS and Walgreens, the largest pharmaceutical chains in the U.S., said they plan to become certified and offer the pill to patients. They will have to comply with state restrictions, such as in Tennessee, where mailing abortion pills is a criminal offense. 

How The Media Covered It: The story was covered more widely by left- and center- rated outlets, which were more likely to describe how the abortion pill works and to quote pro-choice organizations that supported the move. Conversely, some right-rated sources highlighted critics of the FDA's decision.