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Mifepristone
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The Supreme Court is hearing arguments today that could determine access to the abortion pill.
Catch me up.
The fate of mifepristone has been up in the air since last year, when federal judges issued competing rulings about whether the abortion pill should be widely available. Since authorizing mifepristone in 2000, the FDA has expanded access to the drug by allowing prescriptions via telemedicine and distribution by mail. Today, mifepristone accounts for more than 60% of abortions nationally and has been proven to be safe and effective. Now, in its first major abortion case since overturning Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court is taking up arguments that could impact people's access to mifepristone.
How so?
The Supreme Court could reimpose the pre-2016 restrictions on mifepristone by reducing the window in which the drug can be used from 10 to seven weeks. The high court could roll back telemedicine access or the pill’s mail distribution, impacting individuals who live in states with abortion bans or restrictions. A ruling against the FDA could also lead to legal challenges against other approved drugs and treatments, like contraceptives and vaccines.
What are people saying?
Some abortion advocates reportedly say they will continue to send abortion pills via the mail no matter how the court rules. Other medical professionals say they’ll switch to only giving patients the other pill used in medication abortions, misoprostol. Meanwhile, abortion opponents say the FDA’s eased restrictions shouldn’t have happened and can pose a danger to women’s health. The Supreme Court is expected to issue its decision by the end of June.
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Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the number of abortions in the US has increased. This is likely due in large part to medication abortion. Now, the Supreme Court could issue another monumental ruling affecting women’s access to reproductive health care.
and also...this
Who had a busy day in court...
Former President Trump. Yesterday, an appeals court extended the deadline for Trump to post bond in his New York civil fraud case and cut the amount he owed. Trump originally had to pay $464 million by yesterday, but now needs to come up with $175 million within 10 days. Had the court denied Trump’s request to lower the bond, he could’ve lost some of his assets in New York, including his properties. Trump said he'd be able to post the new bond. The ruling comes as Trump-backed social media company, Truth Social, begins trading on the NASDAQ market today (symbol "DJT"). As the majority shareholder, his stake could be worth at least $3 billion — which could give him a financial lifeline as he faces other trials. Speaking of court, Trump’s first criminal trial is set to start April 15.
What could affect the Sephora tweens…
A social media ban. Yesterday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed a bill into law banning children 14 and under from having social media accounts. Those who are 14- and 15-years-old will need parental consent to get an account. The measure applies to platforms with “infinite scrolling” and “addictive features” — potentially like Instagram and TikTok. Companies will be required to delete accounts belonging to children 14 and under. The law also requires age verification to access pornographic or sexually explicit websites. Lawmakers said the measure aims to protect minors’ development and mental health. Critics say it infringes on parents’ authority and free speech rights. The law’s expected to be challenged in court.
What the United Nations Security Council passed...
A cease-fire resolution. Yesterday, the UN Security Council adopted its first resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza until the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. It also calls for the release of all hostages taken by Hamas on Oct 7. The US abstained from voting, marking the first time it hasn't blocked a UN resolution calling for a pause in the Israel-Hamas war. Up until now, the US has vetoed cease-fire resolutions because they didn't include the release of hostages. The US said it stopped short of voting in favor of the latest resolution because it didn’t condemn Hamas. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu rebuked the abstention and canceled a planned visit by his senior advisers to Washington.
Who got a visit from federal officials…
Diddy, aka Sean Combs. Yesterday, Homeland Security officials and other law enforcement officers raided Combs’ homes in Miami and Los Angeles. It’s reportedly part of an ongoing sex trafficking probe, but it's not clear if Combs was the target of the investigation. The news comes as the music mogul currently faces multiple lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault and harassment. Combs has denied the allegations.
Who’s got a one-way ticket…
Which men are apparently raising red flags…
Sacha Baron Cohen and Andrew Huberman.
What’s switching up its chicken policy…
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