The U.S. Supreme Court to Review Mifepristone Case, CAF Affirms Continued Access in Illinois
Media Contact:
Eleanor Grano, Communications Manager, Chicago Abortion Fund
Email: eleanor@chicagoabortionfund.org (cc: info@chicagoabortionfund.org)
Phone: 312-219-1611
CHICAGO, IL — December 13, 2023
The Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF) acknowledges the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to hear a case from anti-abortion hate group Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine’s against the Federal Drug Administration. This case, involving the drug mifepristone, is significant for abortion rights and access in the U.S., and will have lasting, nationwide repercussions for people seeking abortion care. A ruling that sides with the plaintiffs will severely reduce the availability of mifepristone, one of the most affordable and widely-used pharmaceuticals for abortion and miscarriage management.
Medication abortion using mifepristone via telehealth can be the most – or only– accessible option for many people. Not only can it be the most affordable method of abortion care without insurance coverage – costing as little as $200– but it also can make access logistically possible for people in rural areas, people who are parenting, and people without reliable transportation. It's essential to understand the broader implications of this case: limiting mifepristone not only increases financial burdens for those who are already traveling long distances to access abortion post-Dobbs, but also significantly reduces the autonomy of those seeking abortion care.
If upheld, Alliance would impose medically unnecessary restrictions on prescribing mifepristone via telehealth. As well as the use of mifepristone after 7 weeks of pregnancy – rather than the current guidance that restricts use after 11 weeks of pregnancy.
“Mifepristone has been a safe, effective, and FDA-approved option for ending pregnancies prior to 11 weeks for over 20 years. It's crucial that individuals have the freedom to access the full spectrum of abortion care options, enabling them to make choices that are best for them, their families, and their circumstances – free of state interference. At CAF, we stand firm in advocating for access to all available abortion options,” Alicia Hurtado, Movement Building Director at CAF.
This decision could also drastically impact the abortion clinic landscape. This change would severely reduce access for rural patients in Illinois. Only 12 of 102 Illinois counties have an abortion provider, and four of those counties exclusively have pill-only providers. Telehealth plays a vital role in providing first trimester abortion care and a ruling for the plaintiff would lead to telehealth clinic closures. This would place an undue strain on free-standing abortion clinics that provide in-clinic care and potentially increase wait times for appointments. The broader impact of this ruling threatens the entire spectrum of abortion care, underlining the need for comprehensive access to all forms of abortion services.
As Illinois’s statewide abortion fund that supports people in and around the Midwest and beyond, CAF will closely monitor the case and will continue our work providing essential support to those seeking abortion care in Illinois and those traveling to the Midwest from states with restrictive abortion laws. This decision underscores the ongoing legal battle for abortion rights post-Roe v. Wade, emphasizing the urgency of CAF's mission.
Meghan Daniel, Director of Services at CAF, stated the following,
“In light of the Supreme Court's decision to take up Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, it's crucial to reaffirm that right now mifepristone remains legal and FDA-approved, both at clinics and through telehealth in Illinois. At the Chicago Abortion Fund, we're committed to supporting people seeking abortion care, regardless of where they are located or the resources they have. We provide individualized case management and support for procedure costs, travel, food, childcare, and other related needs. The CAF Helpline is open and ready to assist those who need support accessing abortion care."
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The Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF) isn't just an organization; we're a movement. For 38 years, we've been tearing down barriers to abortion care in Chicago, the Midwest, and beyond. We're not just providing funding; we're supporting our callers in accessing freedom, dignity, and autonomy.
CAF offers support for clients seeking abortions including procedure funding, travel and related needs like childcare, emotional support and logistical expertise. The organization has relationships with 75+ abortion clinics across 12 states, and supports people nationwide. CAF has supported more than 14,000 clients since the Dobbs decision with over $4.5 million in aid.