The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to preserve mail access to the abortion pill mifepristone marked the latest time it reined in an even more right-leaning appeals court, the 5th Circuit.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court paused a May 1 ruling by the New Orleans-based 5th Circuit that had blocked mifepristone from being prescribed via telemedicine and dispensed by mail.
The 5th Circuit is one of 12 regional appeals courts, hearing cases from Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. Twelve of its 17 judges were appointed by Republican presidents, including six by Donald Trump.
The 5th Circuit has become a favored destination for conservatives on issues like abortion, gun rights, and religious liberty.
During its 2025-2026 term, the Supreme Court heard 10 cases from the 5th Circuit, more than from any other circuit. It reversed the 5th Circuit in ten out of thirteen cases in the previous term.
Law professor Michael Smith said, 'The Supreme Court uses the 5th Circuit to appear more balanced.'
