Ahead of ruling that could disrupt access to medication abortion, providers line up alternatives

Washington — Abortion providers nationwide are preparing for a ruling from a federal judge in Texas that could disrupt access to a key drug used to facilitate medication abortion, and have been making plans to ensure there is an alternative available for patients if needed.

The forthcoming decision from U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk is in response to a request from anti-abortion medical associations to order the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to withdraw its approval of the drug mifepristone. 

Kacsmaryk has scheduled a hearing on Wednesday for the physicians groups and Biden administration to press their arguments about the legality of mifepristone's approval, according to The Washington Post. The Amarillo-based judge could issue a decision after the hearing at any time.