GRANITE CITY, Ill — The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday on a medication used in nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the country.
The vote, which was unanimous, preserved access to a two-drug regimen used to end a pregnancy up to 10 weeks.
The justices ruled a group of doctors lacked legal standing to challenge the Food and Drug Administration's regulation of the abortion pill, Mifepristone.
Following the decision, 5 On Your Side heard reaction from both sides on what this means.
"We are very happy about the Supreme Court's decision, we can kind of take a step back and take a deep breath," said Michele Landeau, chief operating officer of Hope Clinic.
While they're happy about the ruling, Landeau wished it was thrown out for its merits and not for its standing.
The Granite City abortion clinic knows how powerful a ruling can be.
Landeau said, "People need abortion access and abortion care."
Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022, their patient numbers have doubled.
"Patients traveling more than 250 miles have increased 750% since pre-Dobbs. Over 80% of our patients are coming from states that severely restrict or ban abortion," Landeau added.
The COO explained that in 2023, Hope Clinic saw patients from 28 different states and five different countries.
She also is bracing for what's next.
"We know that there are state legislators and state governments that are not going to stop at this ruling. I do worry that the court cases and legislation introduced and not passed or not signed into law can be very confusing and that could add additional barriers," Landeau shared.
Outside of the nearly 50-year-old clinic, signs of opposition are apparent.
The sidewalks have messages written in chalk from advocates against abortions.
Director Sam Lee of Campaign Life Missouri, a pro-life lobbying organization, said, "We're disappointed that the Supreme Court found that they did not have standing to bring this lawsuit. But this case doesn't end the story. Missouri's laws are still in effect and they protect women and unborn children. Abortions are only allowed in cases of a medical emergency in Missouri."
Despite the decision, Lee still works towards their goal in the Show Me State.
"We think that they should be protected and that our laws should stay in place," Lee added.
Both sides fight and look ahead at a potential ballot measure in Missouri.
Lee shared, "We're opposed to that initiative petition, which may be on the ballot in November. We're gonna educate voters so that they vote against it, so it it doesn't get added to our state constitution."
"I hope the ballot initiative are successful in every state because every person in this country deserves access to a full reproductive healthcare options," Landeau said.
There is another case in regards to abortion pills.
Last year, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed a lawsuit against the FDA and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or shipment of abortion pills in the mail.
On Thursday, Bailey tweeted his case is still alive at the district court and he's moving forward with it.