U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono is part of a coalition encouraging U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf to defend Americans’ reproductive rights and expand access to medication abortion.
“As states implement new restrictions, it is more important than ever that you take immediate steps to expand access to medication abortion,” wrote a group of lawmakers that includes Hirono and eight Senate Democrats. “We encourage and support your efforts to protect access to abortion and reproductive rights across the nation.”
According to a release from Hirono’s office, the lawmakers want the FDA “to finalize the updated Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for medication abortion drug Mifepristone, consider lifting remaining medically unnecessary REMS restrictions, and work with drug sponsors to add a miscarriage management indication for Mifepristone taken with misoprostol.”
The release states for two decades, women have been safely and effectively using Mifepristone and Misoprostol to terminate a pregnancy. "Yet, right-wing state legislatures across the country have passed laws banning the use of medication abortion, removing women’s access to abortion care and undermining the FDA’s authority to protect the nation’s public health," the release said.
President Biden released an Executive Order to protect access to reproductive healthcare services after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn nearly 50 years of precedent and repeal Roe v. Wade in July 2022. On August 26, 2022, HHS responded by publishing a report that included a recommendation to expand access to medication abortion through FDA finalization of updated REMS for Mifepristone “that have been found to be safe and effective.”
In addition to Senators Hirono and Warren, the letter was also signed by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Angus King (I-ME), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Brian Schatz (D-HI