Abortion pill case before Supreme Court nears key deadline as Gov. Healey backs mail access

May 08, 2026

Multiple organizations, medical groups, advocacy organizations, and state governments submitted amicus briefs this week in a Supreme Court emergency dispute over access to abortion pill mifepristone.

The case concerns whether the Court should maintain or pause a U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruling that restricts mifepristone from being prescribed via telemedicine and delivered by mail, requiring in-person medical visits.

Justice Samuel Alito previously issued an administrative stay on the lower court order, temporarily maintaining the status quo while the Supreme Court considers emergency requests. The stay is set to expire May 11 unless further action is taken.

On May 6 and May 7, briefs were submitted by a wide range of groups, including medical associations, legal scholars, advocacy organizations, pharmaceutical industry representatives, faith-based organizations, and coalitions of state officials.

Among those filing were the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, and a coalition of 23 states led by Nebraska.

Separately, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is expected to call on the U.S. Supreme Court to maintain access to mifepristone via telehealth and mail delivery, framing the issue as part of the state’s broader approach to "reproductive health care" policy.

Healey will be joined in the call by Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, Planned Parenthood Chief Medical Officer Dr. Luu Ireland, Reproductive Equity Now Interim Executive Director and Deputy Director Taylor St. Germain, and other state officials. The group is expected to urge the Court to uphold the current access framework and “emphasize Massachusetts’ commitment to protecting access to reproductive health care,” according to state officials.

The Supreme Court is expected to consider the filings ahead of the May 11 deadline tied to the temporary stay.