Federal appeals court rules mifepristone can only be dispensed in person, blocking mail distribution

A federal appeals court issued a ruling that mifepristone, the medication used for medical abortions, must be provided only in person at clinics. The decision overturns the FDA regulation that had allowed patients to receive the drug by mail.

The opinion was written by Judge Kyle Duncan, who agreed with Louisiana’s claim that mailing the pill undermines the state’s total abortion ban. The court’s order therefore restricts the distribution pathway for the drug.

The ruling is expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court, setting up a potential legal battle over the future of mail‑order access to mifepristone and its impact on providers and patients.