As federal courts decide the fate of a popular abortion pill, Connecticut hospitals are unlikely to keep offering mifepristone if it loses Food and Drug Administration approval.

“Of course, we would not break the law,” said Stamford Health CEO Kathy Silard.

The hospital held a news conference Tuesday afternoon to remind patients that mifepristone is still available. Several weeks ago, a Texas judge suspended the drug’s FDA approval. But on Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked that ruling, meaning mifepristone can stay on the market while a court challenge progresses.

The case now heads to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which has fast-tracked it for a hearing on May 17. But no matter what the appeals court rules, the case will certainly end up at the high court, which overturned Roe v. Wade last year.

Silard said Stamford Health will abide by whatever the justices ultimately decide.

“We will work with our legislators and our legal advice around what we need to do to make sure that we continue access,” she said.

That access would likely entail an alternative abortion pill.

“If mifepristone is was not available, then there is misoprostol-only option for medication abortion,” said Dr. Siobhan Dolan, Stamford Health’s OB/GYN chair. “And we would still continue to offer that.”

Currently, mifepristone and misoprostol are usually prescribed together. Misoprostol is safe and can be taken alone, but Dolan said it’s only about 70% effective, and has more side effects.

Some have suggested that clinics keep offering mifepristone – even if it loses FDA approval. But if that happens, abortion opponents said they will consider suing.

“I expect them to obey the law,” said Peter Wolfgang, president of the Family Institute of Connecticut. “And that's a big expectation, because we're not sure how much people on the left do obey the law now, when they lose a court case.”

If the Supreme Court removes access to mifepristone – especially by mail – Wolfgang believes it could have an even bigger impact than overturning Roe.

“This really would have an effect on Connecticut because most of the abortions nationally, including here in Connecticut, usually have something to do with the pills now,” he said.