Senator proposes a law to limit the use of a common abortion pill.

Senator Josh Hawley Proposes Legislation on Abortion Pill Mifepristone

Missouri Senator Josh Hawley has introduced a new bill aimed at enhancing regulations surrounding the abortion pill Mifepristone. Recent studies have suggested that about one in ten women using this medication may suffer from serious side effects. Hawley believes that, given this information, it is crucial for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to implement protective measures.

The proposed legislation would require the FDA to create safeguards regarding the use of Mifepristone. It would also give women the right to sue telehealth providers and pharmacies for damages if complications arise. Furthermore, the bill would empower foreign companies to restrict the shipping and importing of Mifepristone into the United States.

“Recent research has shed light on the dangers associated with Mifepristone,” Hawley remarked. “The statistics indicate that a significant number of women experience severe adverse effects, such as emergency room visits or even sepsis. The FDA must act decisively to ensure women’s safety.”

Hawley referenced research from the Center for Ethics and Public Policy, which found that just under 11% of women faced serious health complications after using Mifepristone within 45 days of their abortion. This analysis reviewed over 865,000 claims made between 2017 and 2023 for early pregnancy terminations using this medication, which can be administered up to 70 days after the last menstrual period, according to the FDA.

Calculating the total number of women who have undergone Mifepristone abortions since its FDA approval in 2000 is challenging, partly because many pregnancies end without formal medical procedures.

The Guttmacher Institute, a non-profit organization, estimated that approximately 1,038,100 abortions were performed by clinicians in the U.S. in 2024. This number doesn’t account for those illegal procedures or variations in state regulations.

When Mifepristone was first approved, the FDA imposed stricter guidelines for its use. However, these requirements were eased during the Obama administration in 2016, allowing for fewer in-person visits and less stringent prescription protocols.

Recently, Hawley reached out to FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, expressing concerns about the drug’s safety. He highlighted that it’s essential for the FDA to adhere to the latest research and reinstate important safeguards regarding Mifepristone, emphasizing that the health and safety of women depend on such measures.

The introduction of Hawley’s bill coincides with recent actions from Trump’s Department of Justice, which requested a federal judge in Texas to dismiss cases regarding the restriction of access to Mifepristone. This aligns with efforts by the Biden administration to protect the drug from legal challenges in Texas.