The White House says the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of a generic version of the abortion pill mifepristone should not be seen as an endorsement of the drug.
President Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said Friday the Department of Health and Human Services was required to approve the drug from Evita Solutions as a matter of law, because it demonstrated the same effects as the brand-name version.
“It’s not an endorsement of this drug by any means. They are just simply following the law,” Ms. Leavitt said.
The pill is approved to end pregnancies through 10 weeks.
Mifepristone was first approved in 2000, and the Biden administration expanded access to versions through online prescribing and mail-order, angering conservatives.
Pro-life groups were upset to learn about the recent generic approval under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., because the Trump administration pledged to push back on abortion.
“I have lost confidence in the leadership at FDA,” Sen. Josh Hawley, Missouri Republican, wrote on X.
Sen. Steve Daines, Montana Republican, wrote on X that mifepristone is “not safe for women.”
Mr. Kennedy and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary have said they remain committed to an exhaustive review of mifepristone’s safety and possible side effects.
“FDA and HHS are following the law,” Ms. Leavitt said. “Again, it’s not an endorsement of the drug itself.”
Democrats said there is nothing to worry about.
“The data is as clear as ever, mifepristone is safe and effective,” Sen. Patty Murray, Washington Democrat, said on X.
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.