Representative Davids on Mifepristone

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, the Kansas Democrat representing the 3rd District in the Kansas City area, said she was convinced the U.S. Supreme Court properly allowed the abortion drug mifepristone to remain available while legal challenges worked through the federal courts.

The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals scheduled oral argument May 17 on a challenge to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval of the abortion drug. While Kansas voters affirmed abortion as a fundamental constitutional right in this state in 2022, a coalition of physicians opposed to abortion known have challenged FDA approval of the drug in Texas.

"I am glad that the Supreme Court recognized the total lack of science and legal standing in the case brought before them and ruled that the FDA's approval of mifepristone will stand — as it has for decades — and access to this vital and safe medication will continue," Davids said.

Mifepristone, when used in combination with another drug and was endorsed by the FDA more than 20 years ago, is a common method of terminating a pregnancy. It accounts for half of abortions in the United States.

"Though this is a victory for Kansans' freedoms, reproductive rights are still under attack nationwide," the Democratic congresswoman said. "It's a reminder that we are facing extremist actors who will not stop attempting to insert themselves into our most private health care decisions."