SW News: Catholic bishops of the United States have denounced the decision of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to broaden the access to abortion pills. This comes after the federal government has done away with the requirement that the abortion-inducing medicine mifepristone be picked up in person.

In a statement, the prelates have condemned the decision of the FDA. Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Pro-Life Activities Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore said that “FDA ought to act to protect the lives and health of mothers and children, rather than merely succumbing to the abortion industry’s pressure to loosen safety standards.” The bishop has urged leaders at all levels of government to stand alongside women in need by adopting policies that acknowledge the value and human dignity of both mother and child.

According to the new policy, women who seek abortion before 10 weeks of pregnancy can now get the abortion-inducing drug by mail after completing an online health consultation. Through this, women who find it difficult to travel to an abortion provider or choose to terminate a pregnancy at home will have increased access to abortion-inducing pills. An abortion seeker can schedule a telemedicine appointment with a specialist who can prescribe abortion pills and mail them.

The FDA briefly lifted the in-person requirement for abortion-inducing pills during the pandemic. The permanent elimination comes in response to a request by a medical group like the American Medical Association and advocacy groups like Planned Parenthood to the Biden administration.

Meanwhile, various pro-life organizations, including SBA List and Live Action, have decried the FDA decision.