Bennington
Federal Push to Limit Abortion Pills Could Impact Vermont Providers
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche is one step closer to confirmation after the Republican Judiciary Committee voted to advance his appointment on a party-line vote on Tuesday, and based on promises he made to faith leaders around the country…
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Key points
- Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche told faith leaders he plans to restrict mail-order access to abortion medication.
- Blanche’s nomination advanced through the Senate Judiciary Committee on a party-line vote on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
- Federal restrictions on mail-order drugs could affect telehealth abortion services and mail deliveries nationwide.
NewsWK — For residents in Bennington County and across Vermont where reproductive healthcare is protected by state law, upcoming federal leadership changes could bring new restrictions on mail-order abortion medications.
According to a report first published by Stateline, Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche promised religious leaders during a July 30 conference call that he will take action to restrict access to mail-order abortion drugs like mifepristone.
On Tuesday, Aug. 4, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted along party lines to advance Blanche’s nomination for attorney general.
Federal Plans for Medication Access
During the call hosted by the White House Faith Office, Blanche stated that he is working “hand in hand” with federal health officials and White House staff to enact national policy changes.
He told attendees his goal is to ensure the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision “becomes permanent in every single state,” preventing organizations from utilizing mail-order channels to deliver abortion drugs.
Currently, patients nationwide use telehealth services to receive mifepristone and misoprostol by mail. The Food and Drug Administration allowed mifepristone to be dispensed without an in-person office visit under a 2023 rule change that is presently undergoing a safety review expected to conclude by December.
Potential Impacts on Local Services
While Vermont law protects reproductive healthcare access and shield laws protect local telehealth providers, federal administrative actions or restrictions on the U.S. Postal Service could disrupt how medications are delivered.
Anti-abortion advocates have also pressured the federal government to enforce the Comstock Act of 1873, an older law prohibiting the mailing of items intended for producing abortions. Blanche did not mention that specific law on the call, which was later uploaded to YouTube by the Virginia organization Intercessors of America, but he assured listeners that policy changes are actively being developed.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting by Kelcie Moseley-Morris originally published by Stateline. Read the original story.
