Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), who may soon be a member of the U.S. Senate depending on the course of elections next year in his home state, where he is running to replace Dianne Feinstein, expressed public support this week for a push by the federal Justice Department to protect access to mifepristone, which is a prescription drug used in instances of abortion via medication.
A conservative federal judge released a ruling that if implemented would undo access to the drug available under past authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), although it seemingly remains available — for now. Besides a delay before implementation provided with the original ruling that would help facilitate appeals, there was also an actually competing ruling from another federal judge that emerged the same day as the decision by the first judge, Matthew Kacsmaryk. The Justice Department quickly made its plans for an appeal in the first case clear.
Although state authorities can still refer to their own guiding documents and rulemaking processes in protecting abortion, federal officials are of course more limited since the U.S. Supreme Court undid Roe v. Wade. Remaining opportunities for action have included helping ensure abortion is available in situations involving medical emergencies.
“The DOJ is right to defend reproductive freedoms under attack by conservative judges,” Schiff said on Twitter. “The Biden administration should take whatever steps necessary to maintain mifepristone’s availability, and the safe access to abortion. This flawed and dangerous decision must be overturned.” Even Republicans like Susan Collins and Nancy Mace — a Maine Senator and South Carolina Congresswoman, respectively — have spoken to condemn the decision threatening mifepristone access.
The DOJ is right to defend reproductive freedoms under attack by conservative judges.
The Biden administration should take whatever steps necessary to maintain mifepristone's availability, and the safe access to abortion.
This flawed and dangerous decision must be overturned.
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) April 11, 2023
