RALEIGH, N.C. (NEWSnet/AP) — Some of North Carolina’s restrictions on dispensing abortion pills are unlawful because they sidestep the goal of Congress to use federal regulators to ensure the drug is distributed safely, a judge ruled Tuesday.

U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles granted a partial victory to a physician who performs abortion. In 2023, the doctor sued prosecutors and medical officials regarding medication-abortion rules beyond those addressed by U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Other restrictions on the drug mifepristone that were challenged, however, are not pre-empted and can remain, Eagles wrote. Those include in-person consultation 72 hours in advance; and examination and ultrasound before prescribing. Those either have not been expressly reviewed and rejected by FDA, or focus more on the practice of medicine or on general patient health, she said.

The ruling is subject to appeal.

Dr. Amy Bryant, the physician who filed the lawsuit, said she is pleased with the decision involving restrictions that “second-guess or interfere with the FDA’s expert judgment.”

Follow NEWSnet on Facebook and X platform to get our headlines in your social feeds.

Copyright 2024 NEWSnet and The Associated Press. All rights reserved.