The American Psychological Association (APA) has commended the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to maintain the availability of a drug frequently used for medical abortions.

"We are pleased that the court has preserved access to this drug. Policies based on the concept that abortion is harmful to women’s mental health are not supported by scientific evidence. Research has consistently shown that having an abortion is not linked to mental health problems, but people who are denied abortions have worse physical and mental health, as well as economic outcomes," stated APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD.

This decision follows a significant legal battle initiated after the Supreme Court's 2022 ruling overturning Roe v. Wade. Anti-abortion activists had sued the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), challenging its approval of mifepristone, a drug widely used in medical abortions. Initially, a federal judge suspended the FDA's approval of mifepristone; however, a court of appeals later reinstated it while nullifying changes made by the FDA in 2016 intended to ease access.

In a unanimous opinion, the Supreme Court determined that the anti-abortion groups lacked standing to sue, thereby upholding all prior FDA actions concerning mifepristone.

Alongside the National Association of Social Workers, APA submitted an amicus brief supporting the FDA in this case. The brief argued that lower courts incorrectly claimed medication abortion was linked to negative physical and mental health outcomes and provided scientific evidence demonstrating no association between voluntary abortions and adverse health effects. It also highlighted that denying access to abortion care leads to increased anxiety, reduced self-esteem, and negative socio-economic and physical health outcomes.

APA has been advocating for equal access to reproductive health services for decades. Since 1969, it has passed four policies or resolutions affirming women's right to choose while countering claims about adverse psychological effects of abortion. Additionally, APA has filed 12 amicus curiae briefs in various cases involving abortion rights.

For further details on APA’s advocacy efforts and scientific research related to abortion and reproductive health, visit APA’s abortion and mental health webpage.