Judge Allows Challenge to Mifepristone Rules

A Texas judge has allowed Idaho, Kansas, and Missouri to proceed with a legal challenge aimed at restricting access to the abortion drug mifepristone by rolling back FDA regulations. These states seek to prohibit telehealth prescriptions and reduce the usage period to the first seven weeks of pregnancy, arguing that current rules undermine state abortion laws. The case is overseen by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, known for prior rulings against the Biden administration and appointed by former President Donald Trump. This decision follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that preserved access to mifepristone by determining prior challengers lacked standing. The ruling comes as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, with potential implications for FDA authority and nationwide access to medication abortion. The legal battle reflects ongoing tensions over abortion rights in the U.S., particularly after the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.