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The Conversation
The Conversation
Grace Shih, Associate Professor of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington

What the FDA's rule changes allowing the abortion pill mifepristone to be dispensed by pharmacies mean in practice – 5 questions answered

FDA Abortion American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Pregnancy
The rule change has little to no effect in states where abortion is banned or restricted. LaylaBird/E+ via Getty Images

In early January 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration modified its rules for mifepristone, a drug used for medication abortion, allowing it to be offered with a prescription by certified pharmacies. Before this rule change, mifepristone could be dispensed only in person by providers at hospitals, clinics and medical offices, as well as by some mail-order pharmacies.

The Conversation asked Grace Shih, a family physician practicing in Washington, to explain the significance of this change for health care providers and their patients.

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