Mifepristone review sought at Senate hearing on abortion pill rules

A Senate health committee hearing saw Republican members call for an FDA review of mifepristone restrictions while Democrats defended the drug's safety; the FDA says a review is underway but cannot fully respond because of pending litigation.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee held a hearing focused on the chemical abortion drug mifepristone and telehealth prescribing. Republican members pressed for an FDA review and for agency leaders to testify. Democrats and medical witnesses defended the drug's safety and raised concerns about access. The FDA has said a review is ongoing but that its ability to respond is limited by pending litigation. Key points: - The committee convened a two-hour hearing where Republican senators urged the FDA to review mifepristone restrictions and to restore in-person dispensing requirements. - Democrats and medical witnesses, including an OB/GYN, stated that medication abortion is safe and that telehealth care has expanded access. - The FDA has announced a review is underway but said it cannot fully respond because of pending litigation; HHS is studying reported adverse events. - Senators requested testimony from FDA and HHS leaders, but timing for future hearings or agency appearances was not immediately available. Summary: The hearing highlighted sharp partisan disagreement over access to and regulation of mifepristone and telehealth abortion services. Officials report an FDA review is ongoing but constrained by litigation, and agency testimony has been requested; the schedule for further hearings or testimony is undetermined at this time.