California, along with Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey, has formally requested the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lift restrictions on the abortion pill mifepristone. This petition was filed on Thursday, highlighting the drug’s strong safety record and arguing that the current limits are unnecessary.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the importance of mifepristone as a critical healthcare option for many women, particularly those in low-income and rural areas. He stated that this medication is essential for timely healthcare access.
The petition comes after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed concerns about mifepristone during a Senate hearing last month. He claimed to have ordered a review of the drug’s safety and labeling requirements, citing new data from sources criticized for their reliability. Critics, including Bonta, argue that Kennedy’s statements are influenced by anti-abortion activists and lack scientific backing.
Mifepristone has been on the market for 25 years and is the most common method for terminating pregnancies in the U.S. Its use has increased significantly since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. The Supreme Court upheld access to the drug under previous FDA regulations last year, but it remains a target for anti-abortion advocates.
Bonta pointed out that the FDA’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy program, which places mifepristone under strict regulations, is not justified. He noted that the medication poses lower risks than common over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol. The petition argues that no new scientific evidence has emerged to change the FDA’s previous conclusions about the drug’s safety.
The states involved in the petition are asking the FDA to either ease the restrictions or not enforce them in their jurisdictions. They believe that their existing state laws already ensure safe prescribing and accountability for healthcare providers.
As the debate over mifepristone continues, California officials reaffirm their commitment to protecting reproductive rights and ensuring access to safe medical care for all women.