Article Summary –
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., during his nomination hearing to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, stated that former President Trump had asked him to study the safety of the abortion drug mifepristone, though Kennedy has not taken a definitive stance on regulating it and emphasized the importance of informed choice regarding its risks and benefits. The drug, approved by the FDA over two decades ago, is part of a nonsurgical abortion regimen increasingly used for abortions in the U.S., though Kennedy’s history of spreading misinformation about abortion and other health issues has raised concerns, especially among reproductive rights advocates who fear potential restrictions under his leadership. Despite these concerns, Kennedy’s nomination has been advanced to the full Senate, with the outcome potentially hinging on Republican support and Vice President J.D. Vance’s tie-breaking vote if necessary.
During a recent hearing for his nomination to head the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. mentioned that President Donald Trump asked him to assess mifepristone’s safety.
“He hasn’t decided on any regulatory stance,” Kennedy stated at the Senate Finance Committee hearing. “I’ll enforce whatever policies he decides.”
Mifepristone, approved by the FDA over 20 years ago, was the method for 63% of abortions in the U.S. in 2023, up 10% from 2020, according to the Guttmacher Institute.
Combined with misoprostol in a two-step process, mifepristone allows at-home, non-surgical abortions, even in states with strict abortion laws, often prescribed through telehealth.
During the hearing, Sen. Maggie Hassan addressed Kennedy’s comment on Trump’s request about mifepristone. She presented safety studies, asserting, “The evidence proves mifepristone’s safety. Yet, if Trump instructs you to limit access, you’ll comply.”
John Mize from Americans United for Life applauded Kennedy’s hearing appearance, noting, “The prolife movement can collaborate with RFK Jr. Recognizing abortion as tragic was commendable,” he wrote on X.
Post-hearing, Alexis McGill Johnson of Planned Parenthood Action Fund stated: “Kennedy’s anti-abortion stance is unsurprising, given his disregard for science. The tragedy is the healthcare crisis Trump initiated, now worsened by RFK Jr.”
Before his nomination, Kennedy expressed concerns over mifepristone’s risks in an interview with EWTN. While advocating informed choice, he clarified he wouldn’t remove abortion drugs from pharmacies.
Kennedy has a record of spreading misinformation on various topics, including abortion, vaccines, and COVID-19. In June 2024, he repeated debunked claims in a Facebook video about late-term abortions.
The Senate Finance Committee voted on Feb. 4 to advance Kennedy’s nomination to the Senate. Without support from Senate Democrats, he needs nearly unanimous Republican backing. Vice President J.D. Vance could cast a tie-breaking vote.
—
Read More Wisconsin News
