The US government just took two big steps on abortion. Will they matter?

While the decisions cannot undo abortion bans in the 13 states they exist, it could make a huge difference where the right is protected

This week, the federal government announced two decisions designed to improve abortion access in the US. The first, a rule change made by the Food and Drug Administration, allows pharmacies to dispense mifepristone, one of the two drugs needed for a medication abortion. The second, an opinion drafted by the justice department, gives the US Postal Service the all clear to continue mailing abortion pills, even to states where abortion is severely restricted.

How big an impact the moves will have, however, remains to be seen.