New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is considering defying the Supreme Court if it rules in favor of a ban on the abortion pill, mifepristone. In an interview with MSNBC’s Katy Tur, Murphy stated that “everything is on the table” and that he would do whatever it takes to save lives. He referred to other abortion restrictions on the state level and said that it would cost people’s lives, particularly women.
The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans recently heard arguments in a case that could force mifepristone off the market nationwide, including in states where abortion is legal. The case hinges on whether the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the abortion pill should be rolled back. The Supreme Court is likely to intervene in this closely watched legal fight again.
Mifepristone’s Importance in Abortions
Mifepristone, used in combination with another drug, misoprostol, accounts for about half of all abortions domestically. Even if the high court rules in favor of a mifepristone ban, Justice Samuel Alito has suggested that the FDA could refuse to comply with it. Alito’s dissent last month stated that the FDA could use its enforcement discretion as the litigation played out and allow Danco Laboratories, the manufacturer of mifepristone, to continue distributing the abortion pill.
Murphy’s remarks come as other states are also imposing abortion restrictions, such as North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida at six weeks. The possibility of a mifepristone ban would have a devastating impact on women’s health and lives. Murphy’s statement that he would consider defying the Supreme Court’s ruling highlights the importance of access to safe and legal abortions and the need to protect women’s rights.
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