US justice department to appeal to supreme court over abortion pill access

DoJ move comes after court ruling that mifepristone can remain available for now but will be subject to significant restrictions

The justice department says it will immediately appeal to the supreme court following an appeals court ruling that the abortion pill mifepristone can remain available in the US but will be subject to significant restrictions.

Late on Wednesday, the fifth circuit court of appeals ruled partially in favour of anti-abortion advocates, imposing restrictions on mifepristone that include lowering the allowable use of the drug to seven weeks of pregnancy instead of the current 10-week limit, and requiring in-person doctor visits for those looking to obtain the drug.