FDA Approves Second Generic Abortion Pill, Igniting Fresh Conservative Outcry

WASHINGTON — Federal officials have greenlit another generic version of the abortion pill mifepristone, a regulatory move that has swiftly drawn sharp criticism from anti-abortion groups and conservative politicians.

Drugmaker Evita Solutions announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its low-cost form of the pill, which is authorized for ending pregnancies through 10 weeks. The decision immediately prompted backlash, with Students for Life Action denouncing the approval as a “stain” and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri expressing a loss of confidence in FDA leadership on X.

An FDA spokesperson clarified that the agency has “very limited discretion” in approving generic drugs and does not “endorse any product.” This approval comes as top health officials, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, described as part of a Republican administration, face increasing pressure from abortion opponents to reevaluate mifepristone’s safety, a drug approved 25 years ago and repeatedly deemed safe and effective by agency scientists. Kennedy and Makary had previously pledged a full review of the drug.

While generic drug approvals are typically routine, Evita Solutions’ application for mifepristone was filed four years ago. The company, which advocates for access to “safe, affordable, high-quality” abortion care, expects to launch the drug in January of next year.

The introduction of a second generic is not anticipated to significantly alter access to the pill, which is used in combination with misoprostol and accounts for roughly two-thirds of all U.S. abortions. Access remains constrained in many states due to existing bans or restrictions on medication abortion, with numerous lawsuits challenging these laws currently navigating the legal system.

阅读中文版 (Read Chinese Version)

Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.