Public Comment

Mifepristone is one of two medicines commonly used for medication abortion, usually with misoprostol. The FDA first approved mifepristone in 2000 and regulates it through REMS, which sets rules for certified prescribers and pharmacies. Under current FDA information, the medicine may be dispensed in person or by mail by certified providers or pharmacies. As of May 5, 2026, a temporary Supreme Court order has kept telehealth, mail, and pharmacy access in place until at least May 11, 2026, while the Court considers emergency requests after a lower-court ruling would have restored an in-person dispensing rule. Federal FDA rules and state abortion laws can point in different directions, so this debate affects patients, doctors, pharmacies, states, and courts. This poll asks about public policy only and does not give medical advice. The question is whether federal policy should keep current access rules, add oversight, defer more to states, or return to older in-person limits while courts review the issue.

What should federal policy do about access to mifepristone while courts review the FDA’s current rules?

Overall results

1
58% support · excluded by 10%
7

Keeping access while improving public reporting could protect patients from sudden changes and still give the public clearer information about safety, follow-up care, and pharmacy compliance.

6

Better oversight could help lawmakers and courts judge the policy using more complete information instead of choosing between full access and broad restrictions.

2
52% support · excluded by 8%
4

State-level limits could reduce conflict between federal drug rules and state abortion laws, especially where officials say mailed medicine is being used to bypass state restrictions.

2

States have different laws on abortion, pharmacy practice, and medical care. Letting states set stricter rules may better reflect local choices made by voters and lawmakers.

3
48% support · excluded by 10%
7

People in rural areas, people without easy transportation, and people in states with few clinics may have a harder time getting care if federal rules require an in-person visit.

7

Current FDA rules already require certified prescribers and certified pharmacies. Keeping telehealth and mail access respects that system while avoiding sudden disruption for patients and providers.

4
45% support · excluded by 4%
7

An in-person dispensing rule could make it easier for a provider to confirm instructions, answer questions, and review warning signs before the medicine is used.

7

Because abortion rules differ sharply by state, in-person dispensing may give regulators and providers a clearer way to follow state and federal requirements.

5
45% support · excluded by 8%
6

Returning to older limits during review may reduce legal confusion for pharmacies, prescribers, and states while the courts decide what rules should apply.

5

A temporary pause on mail and telehealth changes could give courts and the FDA time to review the rules without letting a disputed policy continue during the case.

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