A federal appeals court would restrict the use of mifepristone, a pill used in medication abortions. But previous action by the Supreme Court means the status quo holds for now.

Pharmaceutical sciences professor Chris Adkins was perusing news on his computer in December when he came across an item that fascinated him: Anti-abortion groups had sued the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to force a recall on a commonly used abortion drug.

The latest Gallup poll also finds increased political polarization. Some 60% of Democrats said abortion should be legal under any circumstances, compared with 8% of Republicans.

While a Supreme Court order continues to ensure the drug is still widely available, the issue returned Wednesday to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals as lawyers for both sides urged the court to act.

The lawsuit over access to the abortion pill goes before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans on Wednesday, the next step on a path that will likely end at the U.S. Supreme Court.

Tuesday on Political Rewind: Fulton County DA Fani Willis will announce this summer whether she plans to indict Donald Trump or his allies for charges related to 2020 election interference. Plus, the future of access to the abortion drug mifepristone is up in the air. 

Monday on Political Rewind: The New York Times reported on testimony alleging Donald Trump took part in a discussion about plans to access sensitive election data in Coffee County. Plus, Gov. Brian Kemp will not attend the state GOP convention, another sign of his disapproval with the political party.

Thursday on Political Rewind: The Supreme Court is temporarily allowing access to the abortion drug mifepristone while it decide if it will permit the medication's use. Meanwhile, the DeKalb County autopsy of Manuel Teran, the activist killed at the planned police training center, shows no gunpowder residue on their hands.

GenBioPro, which makes a generic form of mifepristone, is suing the FDA seeking to preserve access to the drug amidst ongoing federal litigation.

Anthony Comstock pushed Congress to crack down on what he saw as harmful vices, such as pornography and contraception. An 1873 law named for him has appeared in recent court battles over abortion.

A judge in Texas issued a ruling that could severely restrict mifepristone access in the U.S., making the future of a drug used in about half of American abortions uncertain.

A Texas judge ruled that the Food and Drug Administration wrongly approved mifepristone in 2000 and accused it of doing a rush job. Here's what really went down.

As the debate over mifepristone makes its way to the Supreme Court, the pharmaceutical industry has raised concerns that ruling against the FDA could chill the development of new drugs.

The Biden administration had asked the higher court to stay a decision from a Texas judge while the appeal plays out.

NPR would like to hear from you. With the future of some abortion pills in jeopardy, tell us about your experience using medication to end a pregnancy or treat a miscarriage.