Autoimmune patients are losing access to essential medications as states crack down on abortions. The reason? The drugs can also be used to end pregnancies.

Some of the drugs that are used to treat autoimmune patients may also be used to end a pregnant woman's life.

Within a week of the Supreme Court's decision, her rheumatologist refused to refill her prescription.

Patients with chronic autoimmune conditions, like lupus and Crohn's disease, are often prescribed methotrexate. The medication can be used to treat ectopic pregnancies, which are the leading cause of maternal mortality, and it can also be used to induce abortion.

"This is a notice to let you know that we are pausing all prescriptions and subsequent refill of methotrexate," the message said. The decision was made in response to the reversal of the abortion law.

GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin is trying to get a 15-week cutoff for abortions in Virginia. Patients like Schwarz may not be able to access their medicine because of confusion over who can prescribe drugs that can end pregnancies.

A rheumatology expert told The Times that children have been denied methotrexate until they prove they are not pregnant.

Some patients may experience side effects or drug interactions that make it impractical or dangerous to try something different, so access to this particular medication is important.

Insider's request for comment was not replied to byEdens.

"As a doctor, I took an oath to do no harm," he said. This is hurting me.