The overturning of Roe v. Wade now allows states to set their own policies on abortion, and this dramatically changed the landscape of the abortion industry.
For example, in 2023, 63% of abortions in the US were now medication abortions, not surgical. 
Mifepristone and Misoprostol (approved in 2000) are the two abortion medications promoted by the FDA to be used up to the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. However, on average these drugs are used between weeks 13 and 15 of gestation. Without medical supervision, they could be used at any point until birth.
In 2016, the FDA stopped requiring the reporting of all serious adverse events from abortion drugs, with the exception of death. The medication-abortion regimen is claimed by the FDA to successfully terminate pregnancy in 99.6% of cases with only a 0.4% risk of major complications. However, observational trials divulge a safety profile showing serious adverse events up to 55%. About 40% of women seek ER care during the “at-home” abortion process, and 18% need to receive a D&C. Over 50% of women who undergo this regiment report they “DID NOT RECEIVE AN ACCEPTABLE MEDICAL ABORTION”. And yet the FDA continues to remove safety protection recommendations, including eliminating the need to consult with a physician at any time during the process, leading to the ability to order these medications online and receive them in the mail. As of March 2024, CVS and Walgreens now offer medication-abortion as well.
- 5 million women have used the regimen in 24 years since it’s launch.
- 14 States ban abortions completely, but 21 states allow the medication-abortion regimen dispersal through the pharmacy or mail. 15 states have a mixed patchwork of requirements.
- In Nebraska, abortions after 12 weeks are currently banned. Additionally, the patient must have an in-person visit with a doctor to receive the medication-abortion regimen. On the docket is a push for a November ballot measure that would allow abortions on demand up until birth.
The US Supreme Court heard oral arguments on March 26th challenging the FDA’s approval of the use of Mifepristone, one part of the chemical abortion protocol. Particularly in question is the continued approval based on new retractions of critical safeguards as discussed previously. The Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine argues that the FDA has violated federal law by failing to protect the safety of women with these changes.
In conclusion, the use of chemical abortion medication is unethical due to the ending of human life in the womb, and the realistic probability of placing the women’s health in grave danger. Due to the FDA practice of not reporting serious adverse side affects, women cannot give autonomous informed consent to this treatment. Additionally, no party, neither mother nor child receives benefit, only risks. Humans in utero are the most vulnerable in society, and must be respected and protected. Where there is life, there is purpose. Women in a sudden crisis pregnancy are also vulnerable, and must not be taken advantage of by being offered a dangerous and unethical solution they may regret for the rest of their lives. They must respectfully be offered ethical and life-giving options to lift them out of crisis, without ending a life or putting their health at risk.
More can be read by clicking on the following links:
The Availability and Use of Medication Abortion
Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in abortion pill case this week