Oregon Abortion Pill Access Remains in Place as Supreme Court Weighs New Restrictions
Oregon women will have access to the abortion pill, Mifepristone, until at least Thursday, while the Supreme Court considers whether to enforce restrictions.
The abortion pill remains available nationwide without in-person visits to a practitioner. Mifepristone can be obtained from pharmacies and mail-order, while the Supreme Court evaluates restrictions imposed by the New Orleans’ 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Louisiana Claims that Mifepristone is Undermining Its Ban on Abortions and Questions its Safety
The state of Louisiana is claiming that access to Mifepristone is undermining its ban on abortions. It also questions the safety of the abortion pill, even though the FDA has repeatedly pronounced it effective and safe since it was first approved in 2020.
Medication abortions account for almost two-thirds of all abortions nationwide in 2023. Mifepristone is generally used in combination with Misoprostol.
Sources: Oregon Health Authority, FDA mifepristone Q&A, Guttmacher Institute medication abortion data
Dailytidings.com
Abortions in Oregon are Built Into the Health System
In Oregon, access to abortion is not only legal, but it is built into the health system.
According to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), medication abortion made up nearly 63% of abortions performed in the state in 2024, making pills a routine part of care, rather than a fringe option.
Oregon continues its stance that abortion in the state remains legal and available. Oregon Health Plan (OHP) coverage helps eligible residents pay for abortion care with transportation, lodging, and meals covered in some cases.
OHA confirms that OHP, its Medicaid program, covers abortions for eligible residents, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
The OHA also administers the Reproductive Health Access Fund (RHAF) that covers abortions free of charge for state residents who are not enrolled in the OHP, and who are not U.S. citizens.
Furthermore, Oregon law requires most health insurance plans to cover abortion free of charge.
For those without health insurance, applicants could qualify for the Northwest Abortion Access Fund. Visit the OHA website.