John Cornyn Urges FDA to Reconsider Generic Abortion Pill Approval

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R), joined by fellow Texas Senator Ted Cruz (R), has signed a letter urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reconsider the recent approval of a generic version of mifepristone, the most widely used abortion pill in the United States.

The letter, addressed to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary, was signed by 51 Republican Senators and led by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

It raised concerns about the health risks associated with mifepristone for both expecting mothers and unborn children, emphasizing the drug's potential misuse in states with restrictive abortion laws following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision.

"We commend your recent statements acknowledging the data discrepancies surrounding abortion pill safety," the letter states. "Given this commitment... we are deeply concerned about the FDA's approval of a new generic version of mifepristone."

Cornyn and Cruz, along with the other signatories, argue that widespread access to abortion pills undermines state-level pro-life legislation, particularly in states like Texas that have implemented strict limits on abortion.

"Every month, thousands of abortion drugs are shipped into states that have otherwise limited access to abortion after Dobbs, degrading pro-life laws at the state level," the letter states.

In addition to Cornyn and Cruz, Texas AG Ken Paxton has also previously challenged the FDA's handling of mifepristone.