Senator Josh Hawley has initiated formal investigations into the manufacturers of mifepristone, a widely used abortion drug, alleging they prioritized profit despite potential health risks to women. The inquiries target Danco Laboratories and GenBioPro, demanding a comprehensive review of their internal records and knowledge regarding adverse events linked to the medication.
Hawley, chairing the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, sent letters to both companies outlining concerns about “grave risks” associated with mifepristone. He specifically cites evidence suggesting potential for hemorrhage, infection, sepsis, and other dangerous complications, questioning whether the companies adequately informed regulators and the public.
The investigation demands the submission of all adverse event reports, internal databases, and related documentation by April 24th. Hawley’s aim is to determine the extent of the companies’ awareness of potential harms and their transparency regarding those risks.
This action follows the recent introduction of a bill by Senator Hawley seeking to revoke FDA approval of mifepristone. Previous legislative efforts focused on banning the drug altogether and granting women the right to sue manufacturers, framing the medication as “inherently dangerous.”
The proposed legislation, the Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act, would not only withdraw FDA approval but also criminalize the drug’s distribution for abortion purposes. Hawley argues that companies are profiting significantly from a product with known risks, necessitating federal intervention.
Mifepristone accounted for a substantial majority – 63% – of all abortions performed in the United States in 2023. Estimates suggest over one million abortions were performed in 2024, though this figure is limited to states without restrictive abortion laws.
Concerns about the drug’s safety are not new. Previous legislation proposed by Hawley aimed to establish safeguards and allow women experiencing complications to pursue legal action against telehealth providers and pharmacies.
Independent research from the Ethics and Public Policy Center indicates that the reported rate of side effects from mifepristone is significantly higher – 22 times greater – than what is indicated on the FDA-approved drug label. The study revealed that over ten percent of women reported experiencing severe complications like infection or hemorrhaging.
The senator’s actions signal a renewed focus on the safety and regulation of mifepristone, raising questions about the balance between access to abortion and the potential health consequences for women.
