Supporters and critics of abortion pill say Supreme Court deadline made for busy Friday

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A Supreme Court ruling on a medication used to terminate pregnancy left groups across the metro busy Friday in very different ways.

“We’re getting the phone calls in our call center. They’re panicked,” said Stephanie Fraim, CEO and President of Planned Parenthood Southeast.

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Fraim said patients were calling, worried they’d lose access to the pill, Mifepristone.

It’s one of two drugs used in abortion procedures in the U.S.

“People are trying to get in and get their medication abortion today,” Fraim said. “All over Georgia, we’re getting these calls. It’s really a terrifying time.”

On the other side, those against the medication said they were also busy preparing for more pregnant people who could lose access.

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“We have been recruiting more people who love women big and well,” Suzanne Guy, founder of Life Initiatives and Values, said. “The pro-life movement is about a culture of life, and we care not only about the innocent human being made in the image of all might God, but we care about that precious woman.”

The Supreme Court had until Midnight to decide whether to reverse access to the pill and potentially diminish the Food and Drug Administration’s power to approve the medication. Dr. Danny Branstetter said the FDA approved Mifepristone more than 20 years ago.

“FDA indication is for this to be used in combination with another medication for people who choose to terminate a pregnancy before 70 days gestation,” said Dr. Danny Branstetter.

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However, this month, a Texas judge sided with those who say it is unsafe, banning the sale. Then, a district judge backed that up. That brought us to Friday’s Supreme Court decision to allow the deal to continue as the appeal proceeds.

“We are really hoping women see the abortion clinic is not the place to run for answers,” said Guy.

On the other hand, Fraim told patients if the pill is banned, surgical procedures will continue and, “We’ll still do medication abortion. We’ll just use the second pill. So, what they’re doing is making this more difficult.”

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