Justice Gorsuch Grills Conservative Lawyer Erin Hawley [Video]

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday heard oral arguments in a case in which the plaintiffs are seeking to drastically limit the availability of the abortion pill mifepristone.

The case was brought by a group of doctors who are not required to prescribe the medication but nonetheless argue they have suffered harm because they treat patients who have experienced side effects from it. They argue that caring for such patients causes “enormous stress and pressure.” A district court judge ruled in their favor last year, stating that the Food and Drug Administration erred in approving the drug two decades ago. However, the Supreme Court stayed that opinion pending appeal.

During arguments, several justices appeared skeptical about the doctors’ standing, which plaintiffs must have for the court to rule on the merits of the case. To have standing, they must show that they experienced a particular harm.

There was some discussion of the merits of the case, however. …