ACOG session provides latest updates, guidance on mifepristone availability
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Key takeaways:
- Mifepristone is still on the market as cases go through legal proceedings.
- ACOG continues to follow the legal challenges.
BALTIMORE — A special late-breaking session at the ACOG Annual Scientific & Clinical meeting featured the most up-to-date information and guidance on availability of the abortion drug mifepristone.
Kristyn M. Brandi, MD, MPH, FACOG, the Darney-Landy Fellow at ACOG for 2022-2023 and OB/GYN physician and complex family planning subspecialist, discussed the current controversy surrounding mifepristone in the United States and key takeaways for clinicians to be aware of as of today.
“As of right now, mifepristone is available in all 50 U.S. states; nothing has changed of yet. I know it has been very confusing for people that have seen things going back and forth, but it’s important for all of our members [of ACOG] to know that it’s something that you can still give your patient as of this present moment, if that is legal to do so in your state,” Brandi said during the session.
Take-home messages
- Mifepristone is still on the market as the cases go through legal proceedings, according to Brandi.
- “The science has not changed on the safety and efficacy of mifepristone for abortion or miscarriage management,” Brandi said.
- The State of Washington et al v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration et al case is ongoing and seeks to protect access to mifepristone and medical abortion.
- Updated Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) criteria allow prescription of mifepristone to certified pharmacies.
- ACOG will continue to follow the legal challenges. Clinicians are encouraged to follow the evidence and evidence-based recommendations from ACOG, Brandi said.
- Misoprostol-only regimens remain effective for abortion or miscarriage management, if mifepristone is no longer available, according to Brandi.
Healio has been closely following news about mifepristone. Links to the most recent news below:
- https://www.healio.com/news/womens-health-ob-gyn/20230517/court-hears-oral-arguments-in-next-stage-of-mifepristone-abortion-pill-legal-challenge
- https://www.healio.com/news/womens-health-ob-gyn/20230512/qa-mifepristone-withdrawal-unlikely-future-of-medication-abortion
- https://www.healio.com/news/womens-health-ob-gyn/20230422/us-supreme-court-mifepristone-abortion-pill-remains-unrestricted-during-legal-challenge
- https://www.healio.com/news/womens-health-ob-gyn/20230413/mifepristone-to-remain-available-during-appeals-process-with-some-restrictions
Editor’s note: Continue to f ollow Healio for regular updates.