Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
California's Abortion Pill Stockpile: What Does That Mean?

Topline:
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state has acquired “an emergency stockpile of up to 2 million pills of misoprostol,” a medication usually used with mifepristone to induce abortion or to manage a miscarriage. Officials say the state currently has more than 250,000 of the pills already on hand, which were purchased for about $100,000.
Why it matters: Last week, a federal judge in Texas ruled that the Food and Drug Administration should halt its approval of mifepristone, putting access to a key abortion medication in jeopardy. His nationwide order is scheduled to go into effect this Friday, unless the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals intervenes.
The backstory: The vast majority of providers use mifepristone in conjunction with another drug, misoprostol, a protocol approved by the FDA in 2000. When taken together, they end a pregnancy without the need for surgery in 99% of cases. The Texas judge’s decision could pull mifepristone off the market.
What's next: California abortion providers say they will switch to misoprostol-only abortions. The side effects — fever, cramping and bleeding — can be worse with the single pill. And this method typically requires a follow-up appointment with a doctor.
Go deeper: Massachusetts and Washington state have also announced their own stockpiles. Read more here.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
Children asked to waive right to see a judge in exchange for $2,500
-
There’s still a lot to be determined as the refinery, which supplies about one-fifth of Southern California's vehicle fuels, works to restore production and as data is collected.
-
The FCC voted to end E-Rate discounts for library hotspot lending and school bus Wi-Fi.
-
About half the Pacific Airshow’s 2025 lineup has been grounded because of the federal government shutdown.
-
USC says it’s reviewing the letter also sent to eight other prestigious schools nationwide. California's governor vowed that any California universities that sign will lose state funding.
-
Scientists say La Niña is likely, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a dry winter in Southern California.