Mifepristone Was a Lifesaver for Me
Earlier this month, a Texas federal judge decided to halt the approval of a drug commonly used for medication abortions by the US Food and Drug Administration. This decision hits close to home for me because mifepristone was crucial in saving my life during a miscarriage years ago.
When I was prescribed mifepristone, it wasn't yet a focal point in the national debate over abortion. Unlike many women today, I didn't have to travel across state lines to obtain it, nor did I have to resort to clandestine methods or risk falling victim to online scams due to restrictive state laws.
Mifepristone, often used alongside misoprostol, is vital for medication abortions and can also help manage miscarriages when the fetus isn't viable. Years ago, during my first trimester, I experienced severe bleeding and a rapid drop in blood pressure. My doctor confirmed a miscarriage was underway, and mifepristone was essential in managing this medical emergency.
The miscarriage was unexpected, especially since my first pregnancy a decade earlier was smooth. As a healthy woman, I didn't anticipate complications. Yet, like many Black women, I faced higher risks, with studies showing a 43% increased chance of miscarriage compared to White women.
In our community, there's often a cultural expectation to endure hardships quietly, even after something as traumatic as losing a pregnancy. During my ordeal, I was in dire need of urgent medical care, and mifepristone provided me with the dignity I needed. Every woman deserves access to such care, whether facing a miscarriage or seeking an abortion.
My experience taught me the importance of access to necessary medications and support. We shouldn't be criminalized by outdated reproductive laws that don't reflect public opinion. According to Pew Research Center, over 61% of Americans believe abortion should be legal in most cases.
Recently, the US Justice Department asked the Supreme Court to review the case, and Justice Samuel Alito issued a temporary order to maintain access to the drug. I hope the justices will prioritize scientific evidence over politics, recognizing the safety of mifepristone, which is even safer than some common medications.
Regardless of personal views on abortion, it's crucial to consider the needs of women like me who rely on this medication for miscarriage complications. The ongoing legal battles over medication abortion are being closely watched by women across the country. Laws like the one recently enacted in Florida by Governor Ron DeSantis aim to criminalize reproductive care providers and infringe on rights that men typically have without question.
This must change. I believe that through our voices and votes, women will ultimately prevail in this fight.