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Mifepristone abortion pill
Photo: Evelyn Hockstein / REUTERS
A federal judge in the US could stop the use of the abortion pill mifepristone following a lawsuit by anti-abortionists.
The White House has now warned against this step: “This step would be devastating for women,” said White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre on Wednesday.
The US government is currently working on "being prepared for any possible outcome".
Jean-Pierre spoke about a lawsuit filed in November by anti-abortion activists in the state of Texas.
They argue that this "dangerous" pill should never have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Therefore, this approval must be withdrawn.
The FDA has asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit.
The judge in charge, Matthew Kacsmaryk, was appointed by former Republican President Donald Trump.
He had given both sides until February 24 to explain their positions - so the verdict could now come at any time.
Decision could make access to abortion more difficult
If Kamarcsyk decides to stop, patients would no longer have legal access to the two-stage standard treatment with the abortion pills mifepristone and misoprostol.
As the US newspaper Washington Post reports, this could mean longer waiting times for patients.
In addition, clinics would have to resort to other abortion methods, such as surgery or treatments that only use misoprostol.
While misoprostol is often used alone for abortions, studies show that it is less effective than when used in combination with mifepristone and usually causes more cramping and bleeding, the Washington Post said.
Regardless of what Kamarcsyk decides, the Texas trial likely won't be the final step.
Federal judges' decisions often end up in a court of appeals.
According to US media, the case could later even be heard before the Supreme Court.
The abortion pill mifepristone was introduced to the US market in 2000.
It is estimated that around 54 percent of abortions in the United States are performed using the pill.
Misoprostol was introduced back in 1973, originally to treat stomach ulcers.
col/AFP
