GOP Senators Call on FDA to Restrict Generic Mifepristone

Fifty-one Republican senators are urging FDA to restrict access to abortion pills following the agency’s recent approval of a new generic version of mifepristone. The letter called on the agency to suspend approval of generic mifepristone until a planned safety review (see earlier story) is completed. It also requested that the agency limit distribution to in-person access only, suspend broader distribution citing an “imminent hazard,” and withdraw guidance allowing pharmacies to dispense the drug. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), who support abortion access, were the only Republicans not to sign the letter.

The letter comes as the new generic mifepristone manufactured by Evita Solutions is about to hit the market. “We urge you to take decisive action to reevaluate whether this generic version of mifepristone is suitable to enter the market,” the senators wrote.