National Council of Jewish Women Welcomes Unanimous Decision Preserving Access to Mifepristone but Will Keep Fighting to Ensure Access

National Council of Jewish Women Government Relations and Advocacy Director Darcy Hirsh issued the following statement in response to the US Supreme Court’s unanimous decision in FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, a case about access to mifepristone — one of a two drug regimen used in medication abortion.

“We are relieved that the Supreme Court has ruled to uphold access to mifepristone, a key component of medication abortion and miscarriage management. Today’s decision will help avert reproductive health crises and further health care restrictions on millions of Americans for now, but we know the battle is not over.” 

“This decision affirmed what National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) and many others understood from the outset of this case — that Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine (AHM), an anti-abortion group masquerading as a professional society, had no standing to bring its challenge to the FDA’s approval of mifepristone. In this case, the plaintiffs had absolutely no evidence of injury from the FDA’s approval and rules governing use of mifepristone. On the other hand, millions of people who have used, and will continue to use this safe and commonly used method of abortion stood to experience great harm should the plaintiffs have prevailed. Access to mifepristone, a key component of medication abortion and miscarriage management, is unchanged. This most commonly used method of abortion — accounting for 63% of abortion care — has been used safely by more than five million people over the past 20 years and is essential reproductive health care. 

“The fact that this case got as far as it did is a reminder that not only will anti-abortion activists engage in forms of disinformation and anti-science schemes to advance their harmful agenda, but also that there are too many judges and courts that will entertain these baseless attacks. Fortunately, the Supreme Court did not play along this time.  

“National Council of Jewish Women advocated for the right to mifepristone access at every stage in this Supreme Court case and will continue fighting to ensure that this safe and effective medication is available to all patients. The overwhelming majority of Americans — and Jewish Americans — support access to abortion. Abortion is and always will be a Jewish value, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of bodily autonomy for all.”