Senator Josh Hawley Proposes Legislation Against Chemical Abortion

On Wednesday, Senator Josh Hawley unveiled new legislation aimed at challenging chemical abortion practices. The event took place on Capitol Hill, where pro-life advocates, faith leaders, legal professionals, and women who had used abortion pills gathered to share their experiences.

“We’re here to urge Congress to protect the innocent unborn and the health of women who face risks from mifepristone, a chemical abortion drug,” the Missouri Republican stated.

The proposed bill, named the Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act, seeks to revoke the FDA’s approval of mifepristone, bar its classification as a pregnancy termination method under federal law, and enable women harmed by the drug to seek damages from manufacturers. However, it will not impact the drug’s application for treating other conditions, such as Cushing Syndrome.

Hawley emphasized that the manufacturers of mifepristone, Danco Laboratories, are a foreign entity that imports the drug from Spain and China for distribution in the U.S. “We’re calling on Congress to take a stand against these profit-driven corporations that prioritize revenue over women’s health by providing a dangerous drug,” he said. “It’s time for action.”

At the press conference, speakers discussed the serious health risks associated with mifepristone. One significant study indicated that 11% of women using the drug for abortion experienced severe health complications.

Hawley acknowledged the challenges of passing the legislation in the Senate but expressed hope. “I plan to work with my colleagues, aiming for 60 votes. Persuasion is key, and that’s the path we’re taking,” he mentioned.

The bill has a counterpart in the House, led by Representative Diana Harshbarger from Tennessee. “As a pharmacist, I believe all drugs must meet the highest safety standards,” she stated.

She also criticized the FDA’s previous decisions to relax safety measures surrounding mifepristone, including removing in-person dispensing requirements and limiting adverse event reporting. “The risks to women are evidently much greater than the federal government has acknowledged,” she concluded.