The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) on Friday blocked a ruling by a federal judge in Texas that restricted access to an abortion drug called mifepristone. The court decided to allow the drug to remain on the market while the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals hears the lawsuit. Both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris welcomed the decision.
In two separate statements, the president and vice president were pleased with the outcome of the vote, which ultimately was 7-2 in favor of preserving access to mifepristone. Only Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito voted against it.
"As a result of the Supreme Court’s stay, mifepristone remains available and approved for safe and effective use while we continue this fight in the courts. I continue to stand by FDA’s evidence-based approval of mifepristone, and my Administration will continue to defend FDA’s independent, expert authority to review, approve, and regulate a wide range of prescription drugs," the president stated.
"The stakes could not be higher for women across America. I will continue to fight politically-driven attacks on women’s health. But let’s be clear – the American people must continue to use their vote as their voice, and elect a Congress who will pass a law restoring the protections of Roe v Wade," he added.
Harris stressed that the administration will continue in its fight "to defend reproductive freedom" and that it "will not waver in our commitment to preserving access to essential medication and defending the FDA’s ability to approve safe and effective drugs."
"The president and I will continue to fight to protect a woman’s freedom to make decisions about her own body and access to reproductive health care, including medication abortion. No one should stand between a woman and her doctor," declared the vice president.
