The White House supported the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday regarding the approval of a second generic version of the abortion medication mifepristone. They stressed that this decision should not be viewed as an endorsement of the drug itself.
This quiet resolution, made prior to a potential government shutdown, means that three U.S. manufacturers are now producing mifepristone. It drew significant backlash from conservative lawmakers and anti-abortion advocates.
Press Director Caroline Leavitt explained that the FDA is obligated to approve the drug under the law.
“They’re not advocating for this drug at all. They’re just following the law,” Leavitt stated during a briefing with reporters. She emphasized that the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services must approve a generic drug application as long as it proves to be equivalent to a branded one.
Mifepristone is one of two medications commonly used in abortions in the U.S. The FDA’s approval letter reveals that manufacturer Evita Solutions initially sought approval in 2021, receiving it just this week.
The FDA maintains that the Mifeprex tablets produced by the company are “therapeutically equivalent” to the branded Mifeprex, which has been available in the U.S. since 2000.
The FDA claims their approvals are grounded in science and not influenced by political agendas, with thorough discussions taking place between scientists and drug sponsors.
Nevertheless, the decision has faced criticism from conservative figures and anti-abortion organizations.
“The FDA said they would conduct the most thorough safety review of abortion drugs, yet they’ve just allowed their distribution. Their leadership lost credibility,” an official commented.
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) took to social media, saying, “I fully support President Trump’s pro-life agenda, but it’s a betrayal for the FDA to approve another tool to kill babies.” He further noted that this decision would not bode well for Commissioner Marty McCalley and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during any confirmation hearings.
