What We're Watching

SCOTUS takes on the abortion pill

Anti-abortion activists hold signs calling for the Supreme Court justices to "affirm the decision of Federal District Court Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk who suspended the Food and Drug Administration's approval of Mifepristone," in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, U.S., April 21, 2023.
Anti-abortion activists hold signs calling for the Supreme Court justices to "affirm the decision of Federal District Court Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk who suspended the Food and Drug Administration's approval of Mifepristone," in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, U.S., April 21, 2023.
REUTERS/Nathan Howard

The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments over legal challenges to the availability of mifepristone, a pill used in about half of all abortions provided in the United States.

The Federal Drug Administration approved the drug for use two decades ago, but in November 2022, a group of anti-abortion medical organizations filed a lawsuit claiming the FDA had no legal right to do that. A ruling is expected by the end of June.

It’s hard to imagine an upcoming Supreme Court ruling with greater election-year political impact. Democrats know that a majority of independent US voters favor legal access to abortion. In addition, young voters, whose support will be crucial for President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign, strongly favor abortion access and have voted in the past to protect it.

Politically, any landmark ruling on abortion is a win for Biden and Democrats, who believe this issue motivates their voter base to turn out on Election Day. Republicans hope the election is decided on questions like inflation and immigration where their messaging is more broadly popular.

More For You

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Resolute Desk before signing an executive order on vehicle repairs in the Oval Office at the White House on June 29, 2026 in Washington, D.C.
Samuel Corum/Sipa USA

What, exactly, is the Trump administration thinking? A well-worn question finds fresh fodder this week as the White House prepares to impose a sweeping new set of tariffs on Brazil. Again.

Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party march toward parliament on the opening day of its monsoon session, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam paper leaks, in New Delhi, India, 20 July, 2026.
REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

In New Delhi, thousands of protesters are marching to Parliament today to demand the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over a growing scandal surrounding the leak of a high-stakes med school entrance exam in May