With the midterm elections approaching, Republicans face various challenges, including an unpopular war and rising inflation. President Trump’s approval ratings have also declined. A significant issue now complicates the political landscape: abortion.

Four years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion remains widely available. The number of abortions has slightly increased, largely due to accessible abortion pills. Despite the Biden administration’s decision allowing the abortion pill mifepristone to be sent through the mail, a lawsuit now threatens this access.

The lawsuit, initiated by Louisiana, led a federal appeals court to temporarily block a policy permitting abortion providers to prescribe mifepristone via telemedicine and mail. The Supreme Court, responding to emergency appeals from two mifepristone manufacturers, paused the ruling twice. Last week, the Court restored telemedicine and mail access while the case proceeds in lower courts.

Amid these legal developments, President Trump has remained silent. His Justice Department, which should defend the F.D.A., chose not to submit a brief to the Supreme Court, an unusual move.

Samuel Bagenstos, former general counsel for the Department of Health and Human Services during the Biden administration, expressed surprise at the Justice Department’s inaction. “The administration’s silence highlights their difficult political position,” he stated.