Full Breakdown
Legislation to Criminalize Mifepristone: A Deep Dive into Josh Hawley's Proposed Bill
3/13/2026, 8:51:31 AM
Overview of the Legislation
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has introduced the "Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act," which seeks to strip the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval from mifepristone, a medication used in approximately 63% of abortions in the United States. This legislation aims to prohibit the use of mifepristone for terminating pregnancies and would classify its distribution for abortion as a violation of federal law. Hawley has characterized the drug as "inherently dangerous" and has expressed concerns about its safety, citing a study from the Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC) that claims the rate of side effects is significantly higher than indicated by the FDA.
Background & Context
The push for this legislation comes in the wake of the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which has led to increased access to abortion medication via mail in states that have banned abortion. Anti-abortion groups have been advocating for the withdrawal of FDA approval for mifepristone, particularly after the FDA approved a second generic version of the drug in October 2025. Hawley’s bill is seen as a response to frustrations from anti-abortion advocates who feel that the current administration has not acted swiftly enough to restrict access to the medication.
Key Figures & Groups
Hawley's press conference announcing the bill featured several prominent anti-abortion advocates, including his wife Erin Hawley, Kristen Waggoner from the Alliance Defending Freedom, and musician Sean Feucht. These figures have rallied support for the legislation, with Feucht calling on spiritual leaders to mobilize against mifepristone. The bill has garnered praise from various anti-abortion organizations, who view it as a crucial step in limiting access to abortion services.
Official Statements & Responses
Hawley stated, “The science is clear: The chemical abortion drug is inherently dangerous to women and prone to abuse,” emphasizing the need for Congress to act to protect women's health. In contrast, the Cato Institute criticized the renewed safety review of mifepristone, arguing that it is politically motivated rather than based on scientific evidence. The Journal of the American Medical Association has also defended the FDA's oversight of mifepristone, asserting that it has been guided by scientific evidence.
Criticism & Opposition
Opponents of Hawley's bill argue that the legislation is based on flawed studies and political motivations rather than genuine health concerns. Critics have described the EPPC study as an "anti-abortion press release" lacking scientific rigor. Additionally, the Supreme Court recently rejected a challenge to the FDA's approval of mifepristone, stating that the plaintiffs lacked legal standing, which further complicates the legislative efforts to restrict the drug.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a significant divide in perspectives regarding the safety and efficacy of mifepristone. While Hawley and his supporters cite increased reports of adverse effects, the FDA and other medical organizations maintain that the drug is safe when used as directed. The ongoing debate reflects broader societal divisions over abortion rights and access to reproductive healthcare.
What's Next
As Hawley prepares to campaign for the repeal of a Missouri constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights, the upcoming ballot measures and legislative discussions will likely intensify the national conversation surrounding abortion medication and reproductive rights in the United States.
