FDA eases abortion drug access, responding to calls from women, docs and Democrats

FDA on Monday informed medical groups that it will not enforce restrictions on access to abortion drug mifepristone during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Democratic members of Congress have expressed opposition to restrictions on access to mifepristone, and FDA’s move could lower one of the barriers to Janet Woodcock’s confirmation as permanent FDA commissioner, if President Joe Biden nominates her for the position. Medical groups and pro-choice advocates will, however, press to make the access changes permanent, and anti-abortion groups will lobby to have the restrictions reinstated.  ...