FDA to Review Abortion Pill Mifepristone: What You Need to Know

The FDA has announced it will conduct a review of mifepristone, a medication used for medical abortions. This decision follows a request from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to examine the most recent data on the drug's safety profile.

Mifepristone, often used in combination with misoprostol, has been approved for use in the United States for over two decades. It works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for a pregnancy to continue. The subsequent use of misoprostol causes the uterus to contract, leading to the expulsion of the pregnancy.

Despite its established safety record, concerns about mifepristone have persisted. Medical experts and organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) maintain that mifepristone is a safe and effective method for terminating a pregnancy when used as directed. They point to numerous studies and years of clinical experience that support its safety.

The FDA's review will involve a thorough examination of the existing scientific literature, post-market surveillance data, and any new information that has emerged since the drug's initial approval. The outcome of this review could potentially influence access to mifepristone, depending on the findings and any subsequent regulatory actions taken by the agency. The FDA emphasized its commitment to ensuring that all approved medications meet rigorous safety and efficacy standards.