Appeals court upholds abortion pill availability despite restrictions

The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has imposed restrictions on the abortion pill mifepristone, but the ruling will not have an immediate impact as it is expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court. If the restrictions go into effect, women would no longer be able to obtain the abortion pill by mail and would require in-person prescriptions and follow-up appointments. The time period for taking the pill would also be shortened. The court battle comes after the Supreme Court overturned federal abortion rights last year. The appeals court left the FDA's approval of mifepristone in place but criticized the agency for not addressing safety concerns.