California and three other states—Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey—are pushing for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lift restrictions on the abortion pill mifepristone. This request comes amid growing concerns about access to reproductive healthcare, especially after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.
The petition was filed on Thursday, with California Attorney General Rob Bonta leading the charge. He emphasized that mifepristone is crucial for many women, particularly those in low-income and rural areas. Bonta stated that the medication is a "lifeline" and that the current restrictions are unnecessary given the drug’s proven safety record.
Mifepristone has been available in the U.S. for 25 years and is the most common method for terminating pregnancies. It is often received by mail, making it accessible for many women. Experts note that millions have safely used the drug, and the FDA has reported that serious side effects are extremely rare.
The push for easing restrictions coincides with comments made by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. During a recent Senate hearing, Kennedy referenced data from anti-abortion activists to argue that restrictions on mifepristone are warranted. This claim has drawn criticism from advocates who argue that the data is flawed and not peer-reviewed.
The petition from the four states argues that no new scientific evidence has emerged to justify the current restrictions. They assert that the existing regulations, which require prescribers to register with national abortion provider lists and impose complex requirements on pharmacies, create unnecessary barriers for patients seeking care.
Bonta also pointed out that mifepristone’s classification under the FDA’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy program is unwarranted and burdensome. He highlighted that the drug allows for early reproductive care, which is generally safer and less invasive.
Governor Gavin Newsom reiterated California’s commitment to protecting reproductive rights, stating that the state will continue to ensure access to mifepristone for those who need it. The states are requesting that if the FDA does not lift the restrictions nationwide, it should at least refrain from enforcing them in their jurisdictions, where they have robust laws to ensure safe prescribing.
As the debate around mifepristone continues, the outcome of this petition could have significant implications for reproductive healthcare access across the country.