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Appeals court blocks mail delivery of mifepristone

scienceMay 2, 2026283,144

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit blocked mail-order delivery of mifepristone, halting nationwide telehealth distribution of the abortion pill. The panel, made up of two judges appointed by Donald Trump and one appointed by George W. Bush, found that Louisiana showed irreparable harm, and the FDA has opened a new safety review of mifepristone. The ruling will force many patients to seek in-person pickup or travel across state lines where access is restricted, and the decision is set to be appealed to the Supreme Court.

Alt National Park Service
@altnps.bsky.social

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled today that mifepristone (the pill used in nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the United States) must once again be dispensed in person, ending the ability of patients nationwide to obtain it through telehealth and mail.

112415h ago
Alt National Park Service289

The ruling reinstates a requirement that had been lifted by the FDA in 2021, which had allowed patients to get mifepristone after a telehealth consultation rather than a clinic visit.

❌👑 하늘 초록색89

Blocking access to healthcare. There's no medical procedure that's denied for people with penises, only for those with a uterus. This regime disgusts me.

SmartAleq64

Lemme guess, men can still get dick pills off the internet, right? I hate this timeline.

DrRamblings38

We are HURDLING towards Gilead....

Jennjenn31

This administration once again proves they hate women.

Jayne Martin24

Anything to make it more difficult for women!

Truth Matters🌊'2615

I feel like we're being attacked from every which way, I definitely will fight every single day👊

putawomanincharge.bsky.social15

Of course. They want baby makers. Pass....

Jasmin Marin15

50 years... That's what I'm guessing will be the minimum amount of time it takes to recover and get this country back to where we used to be. Most likely more 😞

Lucy’s Mom12

And here we go again. I’m so tired of this misogynistic bullshit.

Jack Brand12

The Fifth Circuit makes SCOTUS look almost liberal.

makaleka12

WHEN will they stop trying to control women?????????

CRB11

Yeah-so easy for many women to just drop everything and run to their dr/ clinic or travel long distances to get the drug. Going backwards, not forward.

David10

Again women’s rights are under attack. cbwrong.blogspot.com/2026/04/viol...

John Spikowski10

No problem getting weight loss drugs over the net. Why shouldn't preventing weight gain with an unwanted pregnancy with drugs be legal as well.

AnnieR9

Clinic visits cost money. And gas.

storgeta.bsky.social9

I don’t understand why the courts should be deciding how a medication is prescribed.

Happy in Toronto 🇨🇦💙9

It’s f’ing sickening what these pigs will do to try to control women.

historianeve.bsky.social9

It is much safer for women's health to terminate a pregnancy with mifepristone prescribed via telehealth than it is for her to proceed with the pregnancy. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals is NOT concerned with women's health, but only with controling uteri.

Odie Hugh Manatee8

Is there any way to short circuit the 5th circuit? Pop that circuit breaker and walk away from it. It's seems it's always Texas that fucks with Americans in other states.

LP 💙❤️🇺🇸🦅7

Meanwhile, men can have Viagra hand delivered to their doorstep.

no0rnge2.bsky.social7

No one is fooled by their "it's about saving babies." It's vindictive, hateful control.

Odysseus7

…but men can get boner pills through an Internet consultation.

Climate Elf7

More women will die. How are politicians able to make medical decisions regarding a woman’s body ? That is between a woman and her doctor. Hard stop…

Darcy Dee6

Do the same for viagra.

princessjane57.bsky.social6

Court needs to keep their twisted minds out of womens health... it is none of their business!!

Informed16

Christian Nationalism on the March through the 5th Circuit. Partisan hacks in robes.

Dr. Mar6

A court used procedural control as a weapon to choke off abortion access without “banning” it outright. It’s not “safety.” It’s obstruction dressed up as regulation. It’s a reminder that they are still actively trying to control women’s bodies through the courts.

kellytvl.bsky.social5

Put women in charge. We don’t think with our genitals.

Gregory Walker5

They hope it will impede women. It may, but let's hope it doesnt. There is no shame in making personal medical choices. There is shame in making access to healthcare more difficult for women.

jmj1228.bsky.social5

Why does this country hate women so much? Shouldn’t we be long past those s**t?

Edward4

Ok... the all ED medications must be picked up in person as well

gtjr.bsky.social4

How is this something that a court should be deciding?

dinestars.bsky.social4

So we go back to coat hanger abortions?

truthseeker19.bsky.social3

In response, a new law needs to be proposed/passed that REMOVES a rapist's weapon that can cause an unwanted pregnancy when abortion access is obstructed. Because prison doesn't seem to work preventing rapes, then the law would require REMOVING the rapist's weapon: WHACK. IT. OFF. It's only fair.

tenoannie.bsky.social3

It’s all about controlling women

gettingouttadodge.bsky.social3

The fucking 5th Circuit--literal ass-kissing judicial branch dedicated to figuring out how it can obstruct justice and the US Constitution at every turn.

Pam3

Medical decisions should never be made by courts. I came through my adulthood under Roe and am glad I did. I feel so bad for young women and girls today.

baaabyblu.bsky.social3

Fk them. They hate women, they want us with no options. This is not the world to strive for

greg602

I am a recovering alcoholic + addict. The court system has NEVER…. NEVER been able to stop ANY substance ‼️‼️‼️. ALL those pedophiles and supporters have accomplished a “street “ market, of which THEY ( Big Pharma) WILL WANT a “ piece of the pie 🤑 !!! Trust and Believe

AmericanNOTDorR22

Gee what a surprise: Allowing political corruption to flourish has again made our lives harder than they need to be. Unless and until Americans get off their asses & do what must be done, soon no rights will be left for us to lose.

ofhuman.bsky.social2

Pitch forks to the ready!

Buddy Spell2

Fuck the fascist 5th Circuit.

Concert Whore2

I thought courts could no longer do this?

rachelthislife.bsky.social2

They just fucking hate women so fucking much.

Rowan2

Next they'll be coming after our right to vote.

Saarcaustic Ben Zona2

This is absolutely horrifying, disgusting and anti constitutional

Buttercup4uu2

why their clinical justification? as a man i hope more women run for office and remove these hateful men that live still in the 1950s! wanting to control women their bodies and their spirit. I am pissed

jraybour.bsky.social2

Fuck fuck fuck. Fuck all this fucking bullshit.

Peg2

Overturned on appeal, I hope. The 5th Circuit is notoriously maga.

expertofnothing.bsky.social2

Will this be enough for us to get off our lazy asses and remove these idiots from power??? naaaa

DJWebs2

And the strangulation of our Rights continues.

M.T. Gravemind2

Fifth circuit: because do you really even want to be American anymore

Slightly Damaged2

I assume Viagra will be dispensed the same way? Seems fair.

Alena Rudolph 🏴‍☠️2

It's almost as if they just hate women or something.

harper-k.bsky.social2

We must control all aspects of a womans life. - the GOP

BlishBlash2

Until you start disciplining judges for acting outside of their authority this will keep happening.

Kyle Griffin
@kylegriffin1.bsky.social

Reuters: US APPEALS COURT TEMPORARILY BLOCKS MAIL-ORDER ACCESS TO ABORTION DRUG MIFEPRISTONE

66917h ago
AmGigOhm272

I guess I *can* get madder

L S D76

But we were ‘overreacting’ about P2025 and the overturning of Roe amirite? The absolute hatred of women by republicans is staggering.

Nick67

The judiciary is overrun with Christian nationalists

@kathmandu513.gobirds.online49

Let me guess 5th circuit?

seaswildflowers.bsky.social40

Insanity. Women AND children will suffer from this. Take it from an unplanned human - forcing them to give birth doesn't force them to be mothers. Worry about the kids who are already here, maybe? 🤷‍♀️

johnrossi.bsky.social29

Project 2025 in full swing

Jill19

Fecking ghouls. FDT. FTSCOTUS. 8647

Jill14

Fucking SCOTUS. Rotten as hell.

Mew14

We're all cool limiting the jurisdiction of the 5th Cir. to, like, cases concerning gold fringes on flags and just giving the rest to a new circuit, right?

PCalico8

links not supplied by Reuters! so here they are - in this post bsky.app/profile/gabr...

Amill6

Guess this month is going to be another sh*tty month in a sh*tty decade... F#CK!!!!!

cj49877🇺🇲🇮🇹🇦🇲😺🫘5

I think the Appeals court couldn't impose a nation wide injunction. Or does only work if it is a liberal court.

connie5

US just taking away all women's rights.... old white men think they should make decisions for women FucK them all...

PC Sherry🦋4

Make. Our. Women. Suffer. Again. Probably all white, senior citizen, Christian men on the court.

Peyton Farquhar2

Fuck 'em. "Ruling not valid outside Crackerstan."

Mikusa2

Reuters: Women temporarily block access to that REAL V

pj-evans.bsky.social2

Fcking Fifth Circuit - the Backward States of America.

Amanda Rachelle2

Maybe I’m stupid but how is this allowed when they said it’s up to the states????

EveningStarNM2

Trump is spending a pleasant weekend at his mansion in Florida, and any one in Congress can take a peaceful stroll on the National Mall, never hearing what voters think. www.earthcam.com/usa/dc/washi...

Chris Geidner
@chrisgeidner.bsky.social

BREAKING: Fifth Circuit three-judge panel of all Republican appointees blocks rule allowing mailing of mifepristone, agreeing with Louisiana challenge to a policy ending the in-person dispensing requirement for the abortion drug. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...

Before SOUTHWICK, DUNCAN, and ENGELHARDT, Circuit Judges.
STUART KYLE DUNCAN, Circuit Judge:
In Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, 597 U.S. 215
(2022), the Supreme Court returned the regulation of abortion to the states.
In response, the Biden Administration directed federal agencies to "expand access to ... medication abortion." Exec. Order No. 14076, 87 Fed. Reg. 42053 (July 8, 2022). The next year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) formally altered its safety guidelines for the abortion drug mifepristone. Under the new regulation, the drug could now be prescribed online and dispensed through the mail, without any need for an in-person visit to a doctor.
In 2025, Louisiana challenged the new regulation in federal court under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). It argued that FDA's justifications for remotely dispensing mifepristone were based on flawed or nonexistent data. It also documented how the new regulation had resulted in numerous illegal abortions in Louisiana and in Louisiana paying thousands in Medicaid bills for women harmed by mifepristone. Louisiana sought a stay of the regulation while the litigation proceeded.
42416h ago
Chris Geidner100

For those asking, no, I do not think this is a likely candidate for en banc review. Southwick is one of the most moderate (such as it is) R appointees on the panel, and if he joined the majority and didn’t even write anything, I doubt en banc review would be granted.

cordeliareagan.bsky.social33

These fucking ghouls - Abortion care is a good thing

TrixxyIL32

But Hims and Ro can keep mailing ED medication to PO boxes in DC. Right?

georgiabluedevil.bsky.social15

But I was reliably informed nation injunctions were an impossibility. I kid. Obviously, I am aware such a rule only applies to court decisions that thwart MAGA aims.

Simon #86477

The Fifth Circuit are liars, scoundrels, and cheats. So, no surprises there.

birdguy66.bsky.social5

No nationwide injunctions, right? So only applies to LA?

AndyC5

Can something like this go en banc? Would it make a difference with the 5th or just give them more opportunity to screw it up harder before it goes up the chain?

David Frank5

They want more kids but they don’t want to support them.

puppa.bsky.social3

Is Louisiana claiming "thousands" in damages?!

Paddy_boy3

From what I've read, even the conservatives on the Supreme Court are sick of these guys - freaking drama queens.

Meridian132

Because of course they did. 🤦‍♂️

Reggie rocket2

In the full court documents would the evidence they’re talking about of this harm be somewhere? I’m curious about these thousands of damages they’re claiming.

kurivaim 𓃠2

if I'm understanding the timeline here, the FDA under Biden issued new regulations, then Louisiana sued after Trump was back in office and his FDA personnel said "we agree we did things wrong"?

Patti Olivier EPSTEIN FILES NEVER FORGET
@patti3333.bsky.social

NIGHTS OF BLUE SKIES DAY 1 MAY 2026 THESE HORRID TIMES Late today The conservative 5th circuit court just blocked nationwide access to Mifepristone. The abortion pill. IT CAN NO LONGER BE PERSCRIBED & DELIVERED BY MAIL This will now bring on a SCOTUS SHOW DOWN Women Will DIE OUTRAGE !

30313h ago
Paulette Feeney ❌️👑31

War on Women. No ceasefire. 🤬

Malena-PRO-CHOICE 🌊 🟦🟧Fighting Tyranny!27

I am so depressed over this that I can barely go online. It makes me wanna leave this country. There are many women who cannot have children at risk of death. This ruling is despicable. ¡Al carajo con el juez!

Antigone Stands w/Ukraine & Allies; Anti-Qя☭‪ᴍ‬₽, MAGAts, et al9

I thought that it was already decided that local courts can’t dictate national actions? Oh, wait. That was when it was something for the dems. Nevermind.

C🟣re Traditions | 1.5°C↑ | 🖋️ | ❤️🤍💙5

The entire rightwing is the topdog. The entire leftwing is the underdog. Topdogs are able to get away with almost anything, so they are able to be idealists if they want to. Underdogs are able to get away with next to almost nothing, so they must be more pragmatic. Blue people should focus on:

Di5

Wekk okay women. You know what to do until we fix this. Demand vasectomies, stop having sex with men, etc. They do not own our bodies and this stuff needs to STOP!!!!!!!!!!

redwingfaninca.bsky.social4

I’ll never understand why men are so hell bent on controlling a woman’s body. Never

Shari in AZ🌵4

I feel so much grief and rage over this. I just can't even process words.

Gloria Pan3

Women are already dying, and this will increase the numbers. Horrible. #MomSky

Jim in Oregon🇺🇸🇨🇦🇫🇷🇺🇦🇪🇺2

I'm hoping women will just slam the door shut, and leave it that way, until some idiots see the light

daniel7680.bsky.social2

guys maybe you could pass a law stopping illegal drugs from being sold in every city county and state in America!🤔

Beth Paransky, M.A. Psychology 2

Yes, we are outraged! 😱Not surprised.

Amy Klobuchar
@amyklobuchar.com

A Louisiana federal court just blocked access to mifepristone by mail, limiting how patients can receive an FDA-approved medication. This decision creates new barriers to care. We must restore women’s access to health care.

20312h ago
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