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Court Ruling Limits Access to Abortion Pills for Texans

KVIA•Friday, May 1, 2026 at 11:50 PM•Texas Tribune

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The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned a 2023 FDA regulation that allowed Texans to receive mifepristone, an abortion pill, by mail from other states. This ruling, originating from a lawsuit in Louisiana, mandates that the drug must now be obtained in-person from healthcare providers or pharmacies. Abortion rights advocates have condemned the decision as a significant setback for remote abortion access, particularly in Texas where such options are limited. Conversely, anti-abortion groups view the ruling as a victory in their efforts to restrict access to abortion medication. Under Texas law, doctors who prescribe these drugs can face lawsuits, although protections exist in some states for healthcare providers assisting patients in restrictive areas.

Key Details: • Mifepristone can now only be obtained in-person, affecting Texas residents seeking abortion care. • The ruling follows a lawsuit from Louisiana, impacting nationwide access to abortion pills. • Texas law allows lawsuits against doctors prescribing abortion-inducing drugs up to $100,000.

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