In the latest flare up over access to the abortion pill, a dozen states filed a lawsuit to force the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ease restrictions on how mifepristone is prescribed and made available to patients.
At issue is a risk mitigation program, which is used to ensure certain prescription medicines considered to carry significant risks are prescribed and taken safely. The FDA has required such a program for only a few dozen drugs, including the abortion pill. But the attorneys general say the program is needless for mifepristone, and argue its requirements can frighten patients and prescribers who are concerned about privacy and safety.
Under the program, prescribers must be certified by the company supplying the pill. Both patients and providers must sign an agreement affirming that the patient is taking the pill and a second drug, misoprostol, in order to end their pregnancy. The pill can be used for abortion or to treat a miscarriage. And pharmacies must also obtain special certification before they can fill a prescription.
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