ARKANSAS, USA — Access to the abortion pill mifepristone will not change after the Supreme Court unanimously rejected an effort by anti-abortion groups to roll back its availability, a win for abortion rights supporters and millions of women in states where abortion is legal.
Despite the ruling, women’s access to mifepristone still largely depends on a patchwork of state laws, with only about half of states allowing full access under terms approved by the federal government.
Mifepristone, used in nearly 2/3 of all U.S. abortions last year, is a two-step drug that can be used during the first ten weeks of pregnancy.
How does this impact Arkansas?
For two years, abortions have been banned in Arkansas except in cases where it is necessary to save the life of the mother, and Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin tells 5NEWS the recent ruling doesn't change that.
"The decision has no bearing on the legality of the use of mifepristone in Arkansas or anywhere else," said Attorney General Griffin. "Elective abortion is illegal in Arkansas, and that has not changed."
While this ruling does not impact the state's abortion ban already in place, it does mean Arkansas residents who wish to not be pregnant can still seek medical assistance in states where abortion is legal.
Emily Wales, president and CEO of the Planned Parenthood Great Plains office serving Arkansas and Oklahoma, said the organization would've continued as a resource even if the ruling was different.
"We were prepared to shift to an alternative method. No one wants to use something that is not the standard of care ... For patients, wherever you call home, whether you're coming from Kansas or Missouri or a neighboring state, we will still be here for you," said Wales.
This is the Supreme Court's first abortion-related ruling since Roe v Wade was overturned in 2022, but it likely won't be the last.
The group Arkansans for Limited Government is currently gathering signatures to get the Arkansas abortion amendment of 2024 on the November ballot, which would restore the right to abortion in certain cases statewide.
Parts of this article were contributed by the Associated Press, you can read their full report here.
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