Georgia Doctor Faces Tough Questions on Men and Pregnancy

A doctor from Georgia who testified before Congress in favor of abortion pills found herself challenged by a Republican senator over a controversial question about male pregnancy.

Dr. Nisha Verma asserted that the mifepristone abortion pill is safe for use. However, Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri caught her off guard with a direct question: “Can men get pregnant?” This echoed a similar inquiry made by Florida Senator Ashley Moody earlier.

“I hesitated because I wasn’t sure where this was headed. I take care of patients with diverse identities, including many women, and, um, I just wasn’t sure how to respond,” Dr. Verma explained, pausing as she processed the unexpected direction of the conversation.

“Well, the point is clear. So, can men become pregnant?” he pressed further.

Dr. Verma replied, “I paused because I didn’t understand the intent behind your question.”

Hawley reiterated his stance, saying, “The goal is to establish biological reality. You mentioned earlier that ‘science and evidence should guide, not politics.’ So, can men get pregnant?”

“I work with people of various identities, and—” Dr. Verma began again, but the senator interrupted with the same question, “Can men get pregnant?”

“I treat individuals who don’t identify strictly as women,” she responded, trying to navigate the complexities of identity.

“Let me remind you of your earlier testimony: ‘Science and evidence should govern, not politics.’ So, can men get pregnant?” Hawley insisted. “I think you’re a doctor.”

“Science and evidence should definitely guide medicine, but—” she started, before being cut off.

“Does science tell us that biological men can get pregnant?” he pressed again.

“I believe questions like this are often used for political purposes,” she said, attempting to deflect.

Hawley countered, “These are about truth, sir. Let’s not mock this—it’s about science and evidence.”

The back-and-forth continued for a few more minutes, with Hawley remaining steadfast in his position before returning to the topic of abortion pills.

He emphasized, “We’re focusing on the safety for women and the science showing that this abortion pill harms health in 11% of cases—22 times more than the FDA label acknowledges. If you can’t accept this basic reality—that biological men don’t get pregnant—how can we seriously consider your claims as a scientist?”

Dr. Verma then argued that divisive language isn’t helpful for patients.

In a broader reaction, video of the exchange was widely shared online, drawing mockery and commentary from various observers.

The Family Research Council also issued a statement regarding the hearings, advocating for enhanced FDA safety standards for mifepristone.