Supreme Court's Abortion Case Sparks Concern Among Vulnerable Republicans

The US Supreme Court will consider whether to restrict access to the abortion drug mifepristone, which has been approved by the FDA and shown to be safe and effective. Anti-abortion advocates claim the drug is unsafe and want its initial approval deemed unlawful. Mifepristone, also known as RU 486, blocks the hormone progesterone, leading to the expulsion of the uterus's contents. It is commonly used in combination with misoprostol for medication abortions, which account for over half of all abortions in the US. Mifepristone has a low death rate and is considered as safe as over-the-counter pain relievers. Misoprostol can be used alone for abortion, but the two-drug regimen is more effective.