The legislators urge in-person dispensing of mifepristone, citing the black box warnings.
Members of the Senate Committee on Health, Labor, Education, and Pensions are calling on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reinstate safeguards for dispensing abortion pills due to the significant side effects of the drug. During the pandemic in 2021, the agency removed the requirement for mifepristone to be obtained in person and allowed prescriptions to be sent via mail.
Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, chair of the committee, said, “At an absolute minimum, the previous in-person safeguards [for getting the pill] should be restored, and it should be done immediately.”
Senator Jim Banks of Indiana stated, “I’m disappointed that the FDA under Dr. Makary’s leadership hasn’t moved faster to restore the in-person dispensing requirement and strengthen the [risk evaluation and mitigation strategies] program for mifepristone.” In response to claims that the drug is safe, he cited the black box warnings about potential fever, pain, bleeding, or fainting.
Some legislators and witnesses also cited the risk of coerced abortions connected with mailed prescriptions.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of the Senate committee as they seek to ensure safeguards are returned to the dispensing of mifepristone.
- For Commissioner Makary as he heads the Food and Drug Administration and considers the request of the legislators.
Sources: Life News, Washington Examiner
