Should FDA Make It Easier To Access Abortion Pill? [POLL]

NEW YORK — Abortion is still legal in New York, in spite of the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization that said there was no constitutional right to abortion.

Thirty-two New York state senators want to make it easier for women to control their own health care by urging the Food and Drug Administration to improve access to mifepristone — otherwise known as the abortion pill.

State Senator Shelley Mayer, D-Yonkers, and 31 of her Democratic colleagues sent a letter to Dr. Robert Califf, commissioner of food and drugs at the FDA, urging him to remove burdensome regulations surrounding the prescription, dispensing and pharmaceutical distribution of mifepristone.

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Specifically, they want the removal of the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy and Elements To Assure Safe Use requirements.

Mayer said the limits were not acceptable given how safe and effective the medication is and the unique applicability of the medication for medical abortion.

"In New York State, we have taken strong steps to ensure we remain one of only several safe haven states for women seeking an abortion," she said.

"We are concerned that, notwithstanding the safety and efficacy of mifepristone for use in medical abortions, the FDA's current limitations on prescribers and planned restrictions on pharmacies place unwarranted limits on who can prescribe, dispense and obtain mifepristone," Mayer said.

Mifepristone is the first of two medications used in a medication abortion, according to information from Planned Parenthood. It has been safe and legal in the United States since the FDA approved the brand name drug Mifeprex 20 years ago.

It works by blocking the hormone progesterone, without which the lining of the uterus breaks down, and the pregnancy cannot continue.

Mifepristone is taken, either right away or up to 48 hours later, with misoprostol. That causes the uterus to empty — sort of like a heavy, crampy period, Planned Parenthood said.

One of the restrictions Mayer wants the FDA to change is that the medication must be given to the patient at a doctor's office, hospital or health center by a health care provider who is pre-registered with the drug manufacturer.

Planned Parenthood said the restriction limits the availability of the drug since women cannot just get a prescription filled at a pharmacy as with other equally safe medications.

Now it's your turn to weigh in on the issue. Vote in our unscientific poll and tell us what you think in the comments.