U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) has joined Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and 49 other Republican senators in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reconsider the recent approval of a generic version of mifepristone, a drug used for chemical abortions.
In a letter addressed to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary, the senators expressed concerns about the safety risks associated with mifepristone for pregnant women and argued that allowing broad access to abortion drugs undermines state laws that restrict abortion.
“We are deeply concerned about the FDA’s approval of a new generic version of mifepristone,” the senators wrote. “While we recognize the FDA’s statutory responsibility in evaluating drug applications, the timing of this approval appears inconsistent with the comprehensive safety reassessment your agencies have prioritized. Out of respect for this important review, and with full confidence in your dedication to protecting women’s health, states’ rights, and unborn life, we urge you to take decisive action to reevaluate whether this generic version of mifepristone is suitable to enter the market.”
The letter was signed by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) along with numerous other Republican senators from across the country.
In their message, the senators referenced recent research indicating that chemical abortions may carry higher health risks than previously reported. They cited studies reviewing outcomes from more than 865,000 medically-induced abortions between 2017 and 2023 which suggested an increase in serious adverse events since changes were made to FDA reporting requirements in 2016.
The letter also criticized policies allowing abortion pills to be obtained via mail order without medical consultation or verification of purchaser identity. The senators argued these policies could allow access by individuals such as abusers or minors and undermine state-level abortion restrictions established after Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
The group called on HHS and FDA leadership to take several actions: suspend approval of new generic versions of mifepristone pending further safety reviews; ensure all generics are included in ongoing reviews; reinstate requirements for in-person dispensing; suspend distribution as an “imminent hazard” under federal law; and withdraw guidance permitting pharmacy distribution.
The senators concluded: “We are committed to continuing to work together to give a voice to the voiceless and protect women from the dangerous effects of unregulated access to chemical abortion drugs. The life, safety, freedom, and health of millions of Americans, born and unborn, depend on it.”
