A federal judge in Texas is likely to rule soon in a case that could halt the distribution of a key abortion drug, a decision that would have wide-ranging implications for abortion access across the country, including in Democratic-led states where it is protects the right to abortion.
The lawsuit, brought by several anti-abortion and medical groups against the US Food and Drug Administration, aims to undo decades-old government approval of mifepristone, one of two drugs used in medical abortions.
Abortion rights advocates say the implications would be “catastrophic” if the judge in the case, Matthew Kacsmaryk of the Northern District of Texas, sides with anti-abortion groups. Such a ruling could trigger the most far-reaching limit on abortion access since the Supreme Court struck down roe v. calf in June.
Here’s a look at medical abortions and how the case could shape abortion care across the country: