Hi, it's Jen. Before we get started, I just want to note this story is moving very quickly.

You'll get the latest at your NPR station or NPR.org.

The fight over Mifapristone continues. That's a pill commonly used in miscarriage care

and in most medication abortions in the US. The food and drug administration approved it more than

20 years ago. But last week, Matthew Kismaric, a Trump-appointed federal judge in Texas,

issued a preliminary injunction that revoked the drug's FDA approval, effectively making it illegal

nationwide. An appeals court temporarily paused part of his ruling, but not all of it.

Mifapristone will remain available according to its approval status 23 years ago,

but expanded access the FDA approved in recent years will be nullified when judge Kismaric's

injunction takes effect tomorrow. Soon after the Texas ruling, Thomas Rice and Obama appointed

federal judge in Washington State ordered the FDA to maintain access to Mifapristone.

What do these conflicting rulings mean and what about the other laws states are passing

to restrict abortion access? I'm Jen White. You're listening to the 1A podcast where we get to the

heart of the story. We break down the legal framework of abortion regulation right after this.

Let's get into the latest on abortion access. Joining us from Virginia is Sarah McCammon. She's a

national correspondent at NPR. Sarah, it's always great to have you. Yeah, hi Jen, thank you.

Also with us is Leah Litman. She's a law professor at the University of Michigan

and co-host of the podcast Strict scrutiny about the Supreme Court. Leah, welcome back.

Thanks for having me. Sarah, for those who aren't familiar with the Texas case, what are the

arguments on both sides? Sure, so this all started back in November of last year when anti-abortion

groups sued the FDA. And their primary argument is that the FDA improperly approved Mifapristone

back in 2000. They also object to some of the subsequent rule changes you mentioned that the FDA

...