The states of Vermont and Washington in the USA took measures yesterday Thursday to ensure availability of abortion pillsin the event that a court decides to cancel their license.

The two states signed or adopted a series of bills after the US Supreme Court ruled last week to suspend restrictions on the use of mifepristone imposed by lower courts across the country.

In Vermont, a bill passed by the state legislature Thursday would add abortion to the list of protected health services, meaning doctors and pharmacists who provide abortion pills they will not be prosecuted.

In Washington, Gov. Jay Inslee signed it yesterday five bills which protect access to abortion. Among them was one that allows the state correctional service to offer abortion pills even to patients who are not in custody. The bill allows the agency to sell the abortion pills to clinics and health care providers who commit to using them to provide abortions or in cases of miscarriage.

Texas Judge Matthew Kaczmarek – who was appointed by Republican former US President Donald Trump – initially suspended at the federal level the FDA’s approval of the mifepristone pill more than two decades ago. Subsequently, the federal appeals court in New Orleans stayed the implementation of this decision, but maintained some of the restrictions.

The legal battle continues, with a New Orleans appeals court expected to hear the case again on May 17.

The abortion pill is no longer available in 15 US states, where abortion is prohibited. Possible restrictions or bans on mifepristone mainly concern states where abortion is still legal.

Already states where women’s abortion rights are protected are taking action: some have stockpiled mifepristone, while others, such as California, have bought quantities of misoprostol, the other drug used in medical abortions.

Even neighboring Canada has expressed concern over these developments, with Canada’s Minister of Families Carina Gould saying that Ottawa will help American womenif this is deemed necessary.