Full Breakdown
Sen. Josh Hawley Investigates Mifepristone Manufacturers Over Safety Concerns
3/20/2026, 3:12:41 AM
Investigation Launch and Allegations
Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, has initiated investigations into two manufacturers of mifepristone, Danco Laboratories and GenBioPro, citing serious safety concerns associated with the abortion drug. Hawley, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, has sent letters to the companies demanding documentation related to the drug's safety by April 24. He claims that evidence indicates mifepristone poses "grave risks to women," including complications such as hemorrhage, infection, and sepsis. Hawley stated, "Congress must determine what your company knew about the harms associated with mifepristone, when it knew it, what it told regulators, and what it may have failed to disclose to women and the public."
Legislative Actions
The investigation follows Hawley's introduction of the Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act, which seeks to revoke the FDA's approval of mifepristone and classify its distribution for abortion as illegal. This legislation builds on a previous proposal that would allow women to sue manufacturers for damages related to the drug, which Hawley describes as "inherently dangerous." He emphasized the need for Congress to act to protect women's health and safety, asserting, "The science is clear: The chemical abortion drug is inherently dangerous to women and prone to abuse."
Context and Usage Statistics
Mifepristone is a widely used medication in the United States, accounting for 63% of all abortions in 2023, according to the Guttmacher Institute. The organization estimates that there were over 1 million clinician-provided abortions in 2024, although this figure does not include abortions performed outside formal healthcare systems or in states with varying abortion laws. Concerns regarding the drug's safety have been amplified by research from the Ethics and Public Policy Center, which indicates that the rate of side effects from mifepristone is 22 times higher than what is suggested by the FDA-approved drug label. The study found that more than 10% of women reported experiencing serious adverse events, including infections and hemorrhaging.
Criticism and Opposition
While Hawley and other proponents of the investigation argue for increased scrutiny of mifepristone, critics point out that the drug has been deemed safe and effective by numerous medical organizations. They argue that the investigation may be politically motivated and could undermine women's access to safe abortion services. Neither Danco Laboratories nor GenBioPro has publicly responded to the investigation or the allegations made by Hawley.
What's Next
As the investigation unfolds, the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee will review the requested documents from the manufacturers. The outcome may influence future legislation regarding mifepristone and could have significant implications for abortion access in the United States.
