Hecker Fink Files Amicus Brief on behalf of Former Military Officials, Former Civilian National Security Leaders, and Vet Voice Foundation in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in Louisiana v. FDA

On July 22, 2026, Hecker Fink filed an amicus brief on behalf of Former Military Officials, Former Civilian National Security Leaders, and Vet Voice Foundation in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in State of Louisiana v. Food & Drug Administration, No. 26-30203.

The case concerns the State of Louisiana’s attempt to reimpose the in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone. This brief explains that telehealth access to mifepristone, where permitted, directly supports the U.S. military’s ability to be mission-ready. Such access allows servicemembers to obtain abortions without extended travel or leave, minimizing disruptions to their careers and military operations. Limits on such access affect the entire force; they weaken recruitment, drive attrition, and erode unit cohesion. Reimposing the in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone would thus degrade military readiness and undermine national security. Hecker Fink previously filed similar briefs at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Hecker Fink Team includes Kate Epstein, Maddie Verniero, and Amelia Levitt-Smith.

Read the full brief here.