RFK Jr. Pushes FDA to Ban Abortion Pills, Threatening Millions of Patients
WATCH: In Senate testimony, RFK confirms plans to weaponize federal agencies against reproductive freedom.
WASHINGTON, DC –– At a Senate Finance Committee hearing today, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed that he is working with FDA Commissioner Marty Makary to roll back access to the abortion medication mifepristone.
In June, under pressure from extremist lawmakers like Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), Commissioner Makary pledged to conduct an “investigation” into mifepristone, drawing on dangerous disinformation – not science. During today’s hearing, Secretary Kennedy shared that investigations into medication abortion are underway, demonstrating this administration's continued commitment to banning abortion and restricting reproductive freedom across the country.
The reality is that medication abortion is safe, effective, and was relied on in nearly two-thirds of all U.S. abortions in 2023. More than six-in-ten Americans favor keeping the medication available as a prescription drug. According to data from Navigator Research, most voters in the 2024 election – including many who supported President-elect Trump – oppose laws to further restrict abortion and would view a politician who votes for these laws negatively. Still, Republican lawmakers plan to intervene in the personal, private medical decisions of women and families.
Republican lawmakers remain committed to banning abortion nationwide, and they will use any tool at their disposal to do it, including weaponizing federal agencies to ban access to safe and effective medications.
If you are interested in speaking to health care providers who regularly prescribe mifepristone, or patients who have used the medication, including the folks below, please contact Kelly Rimar kelly@freeandjust.us.
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Emma Burns, Flagstaff, AZ: Emma Burns found out she was pregnant with twins while a college student. She made the decision to have an abortion after calling a hotline and was referred to the only clinic with appointments in the entire state. After her first appointment, where she was required by Arizona state law to view the ultrasound and listen to the cardiac activity, Emma had to wait a week and a half to see the physician again, which meant receiving her medication abortion on the exact last possible day she was legally able.
Dr. Austin Dennard, Dallas, TX: Dr. Austin Dennard is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist who was pregnant during the summer of 2022, but at 11 weeks learned she was carrying a fetus with anencephaly, a fatal condition affecting the development of the brain and skull. She and her husband had experienced something similar with a previous pregnancy and had made the decision to end the pregnancy . While she was previously able to receive the care she needed in Texas including mifepristone for her D&E, that was not the case for her 2022 pregnancy, and she was forced to travel to the east coast for care.
Dr. Kristin Lyerly, De Pere, WI: Dr. Kristin Lyerly is an OB/Gyn who specializes in care for rural and underserved communities. Dr. Lyerly treats patients who have traveled from out of state for abortion care, including providing abortion medication, and was one of several physicians involved in litigation against the state of Wisconsin over efforts to revive the state’s 1849 abortion ban.
Elise Warren, Portland, OR: Elise Warren speaks openly about her experience taking abortion medication on social media and is known online as a safe, confidential resource for her younger peers. Elise says her abortions changed her life for the better, and she continues to learn everything she can about abortion access, spread trustworthy resources and information, and amplify the stories of those who wish to tell them.