DLNews Health:

In a regulatory change that will likely have a significant impact on patients seeking medication abortion, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made the pill available at retail pharmacies. This is an improvement over the previous rules, which only allowed mifepristone to be sold through mail order and only by certified healthcare providers to offer the drug. Previously, only mail-order pharmacies could provide mifepristone, and only in conjunction with misoprostol.

The new rule makes mifepristone a safer and more practical option for ending early pregnancy. While several state laws have restricted access to mifepristone, it is now legal in all but 12 states. Abortion rights proponents say the decision is an important step forward.

Mifepristone is used to induce abortion up to 10 weeks into the pregnancy. It is also the first pill in a two-drug regimen. Misoprostol is commonly used to induce labor. Both pills are approved by the FDA and are safe to take. However, only a limited number of prescriptions will be available.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA temporarily suspended the requirement that a woman receives her first medications in person. While there was controversy over the decision, many medical professionals praised the move. In addition, a scientific study that was later performed echoed the decision.

Since the Supreme Court ruling overturning the right to abortion, more women have sought medication abortion. But it is difficult to find a way to get this procedure. Most states have limited or no drug access, and many have passed laws prohibiting the sales of generic mifepristone. In addition, some medical providers worry that the FDA regulation will not give people the same chance to receive mifepristone because it may be considered "obscene, lewd or lascivious."

Fortunately, the FDA's new rule will help improve access to mifepristone, which is already one of the most popular abortion drugs in the country. And, since the new law does not directly impact the role of pharmacists, it may help to expand the distribution of medication abortion in states where abortion is still legal.

Pharmacy chains such as CVS and Walgreens have begun reviewing the new requirements. They are expected to complete the certification process to become authorized pharmacies. Retail pharmacies can apply for a certification to dispense mifepristone.

The FDA has also updated its website with information on the new regulation. In addition, the agency has posted a FAQ section to explain the new rules. It has also created an app for Android devices. Although not mandatory, the FDA believes providing access to medications through telemedicine or a mobile phone application is better than requiring consumers to report their pills to a pharmacist.

Patients are not required to tell anyone they have taken an abortion pill. However, some urgent care staff has called the police on someone for doing so.

Several progressive states, such as California and New York, have some abortion access. As more and more states ban the sale of mifepristone, abortion rights proponents will continue to fight for their rights.