Supreme Court rejects bid to restrict access to abortion pill

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a challenge to the abortion pill mifepristone, meaning the commonly used drug can remain widely available.

The court found unanimously that the group of anti-abortion doctors who questioned the Food and Drug Administration’s decisions making it easier to access the pill did not have legal standing to sue. As a result, the lawsuit will be dismissed.

By throwing out the case on such grounds, the court avoided reaching the legal merits of whether the FDA acted lawfully in lifting various restrictions, including one making the drug obtainable via mail, meaning the same issues could yet return to the court in another case. Another regulatory decision left in place means women can still obtain the pill within 10 weeks of gestation instead of seven. Likewise a decision to allow health care providers other than physicians to dispense the pill will remain in effect.