A federal appeals court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, has restricted the use of the abortion pill muff-a-pristine. This ruling challenges the FDA's decisions to make mifepristone more accessible to women, citing safety concerns. If upheld, the ruling would prevent women from obtaining the abortion pill through telemedicine and mail, requiring them to obtain prescriptions from doctors and have in-person follow-up appointments. The time frame for taking the pill would be shortened from 70 days to 49 days into pregnancy. The appeals court's decision received criticism from medical associations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which argued that mifepristone is safe and effective within its approved use.