RFK Jr. Calls for Re-Evaluation of Mifepristone, the Common Abortion Pill
U.S. health officials are reviewing the safety of mifepristone, a widely used medication for early pregnancy termination, amid ongoing political and legal debates. Experts call for evidence-based evaluation of potential risks and adverse events.
In a recent development, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has ordered a comprehensive safety review of mifepristone, a medication frequently used in combination with misoprostol to induce early pregnancy terminations. Kennedy tasked Dr. Marty Makary, the FDA commissioner, with analyzing the most recent data concerning the drug. The timeframe for this review has not been specified.
Mifepristone has been approved by the FDA since 2000 after thorough evaluation, and its safety has been continuously monitored with no significant concerns reported since approval. Over 5 million individuals have utilized mifepristone, and recent studies indicate that medication abortions constitute over 60% of all abortions in the U.S.
The push for the safety review appears linked to a report from the Ethics and Public Policy Center, which has not undergone peer review. The report claims that around 10% of patients experience serious adverse events such as ectopic pregnancies, heavy bleeding, or emergency room visits. Health experts, however, contest these allegations, stating that bleeding is a normal part of medication abortions unless severe enough to require transfusions. They emphasize that incomplete medication abortions, including ectopic pregnancies, should not be automatically classified as adverse events caused by mifepristone.
Critics also highlight that the report lacks transparency regarding its data sources and lacks control groups, making its claims difficult to verify. Despite ongoing debates, the Supreme Court upheld access to mifepristone in 2024, emphasizing the legal right to its use. Currently, 28 states have restrictions on the drug, with some banning mailing pills altogether.
While some officials consider updating safety assessments, Dr. Makary has stated he has no immediate plans to alter current regulations. The debate over mifepristone continues amid legal and political pressures, emphasizing the need for thorough, evidence-based safety evaluations.
For further information, the Mayo Clinic provides detailed insights on mifepristone.
source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-rfk-jr-abortion-pill-mifepristone.html
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