Senator Hawley criticizes FDA approval of new abortion drug
Republican Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri has sharply criticized the Food and Drug Administration for approving a new abortion drug, raising concerns about women's safety and the agency's trustworthiness. In a letter to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, Hawley accused the agency of prioritizing politics over science. The move highlights ongoing debates over abortion access and regulatory oversight.
Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, issued a strong rebuke against the Food and Drug Administration's recent approval of a new abortion drug, emphasizing potential risks to women's health and eroding public trust in the agency.
In a letter addressed to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, Hawley expressed deep concerns about the approval process. He argued that the FDA's decision undermines safety standards, particularly for medications used in abortions. 'The FDA's approval of this new abortion drug raises serious questions about the agency's commitment to protecting women's health,' Hawley wrote, according to reports from Fox News. He further claimed that the approval reflects a pattern of the agency placing political considerations above scientific evidence.
The criticism comes amid broader national discussions on abortion rights and access to medication abortion following the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Hawley pointed to previous FDA actions, such as the expansion of access to mifepristone, another abortion pill, as part of a concerning trend. He demanded that the FDA provide detailed information on the clinical trials and safety data supporting the new drug's approval.
Hawley's letter highlights specific safety issues, including potential side effects and the adequacy of post-approval monitoring. He questioned whether the agency adequately assessed long-term risks for users, particularly in light of reports from medical groups about complications associated with abortion medications. 'American women deserve better than an FDA that they can't trust,' Hawley stated, underscoring his call for greater transparency and accountability.
The FDA has not yet publicly responded to Hawley's letter, but the agency maintains that all approvals undergo rigorous review to ensure efficacy and safety. This incident adds to Republican-led scrutiny of federal health agencies, especially on reproductive health policies. As debates continue in Congress, Hawley's stance reflects partisan divides on abortion regulation in the post-Roe era.