ICYMI: RFK Jr. Spent His First Year as HHS Secretary Trying to Ban Medication Abortion
More than 64.5 million Americans could lose access to medication abortion under Trump and RFK Jr.
WASHINGTON, DC –– This week marks one year since Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Jr. was sworn in as President Trump’s Secretary of Health and Human Services. Throughout his first year as HHS Secretary, RFK Jr. has embraced dangerous disinformation and worked to ban access to medication abortion nationwide – even in states where it is currently legal.
SNAPSHOT: RFK JR. IS WEAPONIZING HHS TO BAN MEDICATION ABORTION
May 2025: Despite decades of scientific evidence confirming that the abortion medication mifepristone is safe and effective, RFK Jr. directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to relitigate its safety.
September 2025: At a Senate Finance Committee hearing, RFK Jr. At a Senate Finance Committee hearing, RFK Jr. advances unfounded claims about the safety data on mifepristone and suggests the administration may take steps to limit access to medication abortion.
October 2025: RFK Jr. doubles down on false claims linking Tylenol use during pregnancy with autism diagnoses, further politicizing women’s health care.
January 2026: Under RFK Jr., HHS formally rescinds Biden‑era guidance that required pharmacies that receive federal funds to dispense abortion medication. The new rule empowers pharmacies to deny patients their prescribed medications, including drugs prescribed for autoimmune diseases, ectopic pregnancy, or to manage a miscarriage.
“RFK Jr.’s loyalty to anti-abortion extremist groups comes at a real cost to the health and safety of millions of Americans,” said Veronica Ingham, Managing Director of Free & Just. “Instead of keeping our communities safe and healthy, RFK Jr. has spent his entire first year in office lying to the public and caving to extremists. Attacks on medication abortion are dangerous and deeply unpopular with most Americans. There is no place for politics at the pharmacy counter, and we deserve better from HHS.”
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.
AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW: PATIENTS, PROVIDERS, AND ADVOCATES
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. 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 credits access to medication abortion with saving her life, both by protecting her health and allowing her to leave her abusive partner.
###