NCJW Welcomes Stay in Mifepristone Case, Keeping Status Quo — for Now

WASHINGTON, DC — The United States Supreme Court last night granted an emergency request to block a lower court decision in State of Louisiana et al. v. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) et al., keeping mifepristone accessible by mail and pharmacies nationwide while the case over an in-person dispensing requirement proceeds.

Last week, with the news of the Supreme Court’s intervention in this case, NCJW led more than 50 faith-based organizations in filing an amicus brief with the Court, defending broad access to mifepristone and making clear that reproductive freedom is a Jewish value and a matter of religious liberty.

In response, Darcy Hirsh, vice president of government relations and advocacy at National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) — the nation’s leading Jewish feminist civil rights organization, representing 250,000 changemakers across the United States and Israel — released the following statement:

“We exhale, but only briefly. Yesterday’s Supreme Court decision maintains access to mifepristone for now — and that matters enormously to the millions of women who depend on this medication for essential health care — but the threat remains. The Fifth Circuit’s ruling is still on the table, and we know anti-abortion extremists will not stop until mifepristone — and abortion itself — is out of reach for everyone.

“When this case reached the Supreme Court, we dove into action. Within days, NCJW mobilized more than 50 faith organizations to join us in filing an emergency amicus brief — making clear to the Court that restricting mifepristone isn’t just an attack on health care, it’s an attack on religious freedom. We are proud that our collective voice was part of making this outcome possible.”

“At the center of this fight is our simple, but fundamental belief: that every person deserves basic human dignity — the dignity to make their own reproductive decisions, to access safe and proven health care, and to live their lives free of government interference.

“NCJW will monitor this case as we continue to sound the alarm, organize our advocates, and fight alongside our partners until every person can access the full spectrum of reproductive health care. We have been here before. We will be here again. And we will not back down.”

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National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a 133-year-old Jewish feminist civil rights organization working for equity and justice for women, children, and families in the United States and Israel. Through the efforts of our 250,000 grassroots advocates and 46 local sections, NCJW combines education, direct service, and advocacy to effect lasting social change at the local, state, and national levels. We approach our work through the intersections of gender, economic, and racial justice to center those most impacted in a uniquely Jewish way. Learn more at NCJW.org and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.