(Washington, D.C.): John Mize, CEO of Americans United for Life, issued the following statement ahead of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Oct. 7 update regarding its abortion pill review, as ordered by a Louisiana district court judge:
“More than one year ago, HHS Secretary Kennedy and former FDA Commissioner Makary announced the safety review of the abortion pill, mifepristone, had officially started. Since then, we have seen no public evidence this review has actually begun, much less any substantial progress made.
“The FDA’s response to the court will let the American people know where its priorities stand, whether with the women and children the review was initiated to protect or the political powers that continue to prolong the review until the dust of the coming midterms have cleared.
“In the update to the court, the FDA must show real progress using robust, real-world data. Continuing to source data from their internal, flawed FDA Adverse Event Reporting System will not produce a durable review that accurately reflects the complications women face, as AUL has argued alongside pro-life doctors for months. The Pro-Life Movement is prepared to reject a methodologically flawed review where the agency has simply gone through the motions to rubber stamp the current REMS, or lack thereof.
“Americans United for Life will continue to hold the FDA and greater administration accountable for their delays. We recognize the confirmations of Attorney General Todd Blanche, CDC Director Erica Schwartz and the nomination of Dr. Heidi Overton to fill the role of FDA Commissioner as steps in the right direction, hoping for swift action to correct Biden-era mistakes following the review’s conclusion.”
For more information or to arrange an interview with AUL, contact Gavin Oxley at [email protected] or 202-987-3321.
Since 1971, Americans United for Life (AUL) has advanced the human right to life in culture, law, and policy by equipping advocates and lawmakers with the facts and strategies that change hearts and minds and protect human life. The first national pro-life organization in the country, AUL is a nonprofit, public-interest law and policy organization with a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.
