Federal Judge Declines to Block Mail-Order Abortions for Now, but Says Louisiana’s Case Is ‘Likely to Succeed’

A federal judge declined to block the Biden administration’s mail-order abortion scheme last week — but he put the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on notice as the agency continues its safety review of the abortion drug mifepristone.

U.S. District Judge David Joseph ruled against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, who asked the court to halt an FDA rule that allows mifepristone to be dispensed through mail as litigation challenging the rule continues. Joseph issued a 37-page memorandum ruling granting the Trump administration’s request to pause the case as the FDA continues its “good-faith, evidence-based and expeditious review” of the abortion drug’s safety risks, although he indicated the state has standing to sue and is “likely to succeed” in its challenge.

“…[T]he stay granted to FDA will not remain open-ended,” wrote Judge Joseph, a nominee of President Donald Trump. “FDA has an obligation to act with all deliberate speed