Supreme Court Allows Mail-Order Mifepristone in Pro-Life States
On May 14 the U.S. Supreme Court permitted continued distribution of mifepristone by mail into states with abortion restrictions. The order applies while litigation proceeds through the Fifth Circuit and possible Supreme Court review.
Washington ExaminerU.S. Supreme Court issued an order allowing manufacturers Danco and GenBioPro to continue shipping mifepristone by mail into states that restrict abortion. The decision keeps the current distribution system in place during further court proceedings. S.
Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit resolves an appeal filed by Louisiana and plaintiff Rosalie Markezich, and until the Supreme Court decides whether to review the case. That process could last up to one year.
Data cited by the Society of Family Planning indicate that mail-order abortions reached 26,900 per month in 2025. Of those, 14,780 were classified as occurring under shield laws, representing 55 percent of the monthly total. In states that ban abortion from conception, approximately 9,000 mail-order abortions occurred each month, accounting for nearly all abortions performed in those states.
States limiting abortion after six weeks recorded about 3,790 such procedures monthly.
Markezich stated that her former boyfriend ordered mifepristone from California physician Remy Coeytaux and had it shipped to her home in Louisiana without her consent. She said he later pressured her to take the medication. An anonymous teenager from Louisiana reported that her mother obtained mifepristone by mail from New York physician Margaret Carpenter and required her to use it against her will, resulting in a hospital visit.
The Supreme Court order permits continued mail distribution of mifepristone into Louisiana and other states with restrictions while litigation continues.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- May 14, 2026
U.S. Supreme Court allows continued mail shipment of mifepristone into states with abortion limits.
1 sourceWashington Examiner - 2025
Monthly mail-order abortions reached 26,900, with 14,780 occurring under shield laws.
1 sourceWashington Examiner - Pre-May 2026
Rosalie Markezich and an anonymous Louisiana teenager filed accounts of non-consensual mifepristone use.
1 sourceWashington Examiner
Potential Impact
- 01
Mail distribution of mifepristone continues in states with abortion restrictions for up to one year.
- 02
Fifth Circuit review will determine next steps for state enforcement of abortion and telehealth laws.
- 03
Hospitals may continue to record emergency-room visits linked to mifepristone use at labeled rates.
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