The Sconi

U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) has joined Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and 49 other Republican senators in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reconsider the approval of a generic version of mifepristone, a drug commonly used for chemical abortions.

In a letter addressed to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary, the senators expressed appreciation for recent statements by the agencies acknowledging concerns about abortion pill safety and their commitment to reviewing scientific data. The letter stated: “We commend your recent statements acknowledging the data discrepancies surrounding abortion pill safety and your commitment to reviewing the science. We are also encouraged by HHS’s recent announcement that it will review prior Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) approvals given the recent studies raising concerns about the drug’s safety. Given this commitment, however, we are deeply concerned about the FDA’s approval of a new generic version of mifepristone. While we recognize the FDA’s statutory responsibility in evaluating drug applications, the timing of this approval appears inconsistent with the comprehensive safety reassessment your agencies have prioritized. Out of respect for this important review, and with full confidence in your dedication to protecting women’s health, states’ rights, and unborn life, we urge you to take decisive action to reevaluate whether this generic version of mifepristone is suitable to enter the market,” the senators wrote.

The letter was signed by Senators Johnson, Graham, and 49 other Republican colleagues.

Senator Ron Johnson has previously won three general elections for his Senate seat. In 2022, he defeated Mandela Barnes with 50.4% of the vote. He also won against Russ Feingold in both 2016 and 2010, receiving 50.2% and 51.9% of votes respectively.

The full text of the letter is available online.