He wants the approval to be overturned.
During a CNN town hall in Des Moines, Iowa, Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy expressed his hope for the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of the abortion pill. Responding to a question from anchor Abby Phillip about the Supreme Court’s consideration of a case that could impact access to the abortion drug Mifepristone, Ramaswamy framed the issue as less about abortion and more about administrative law and the FDA’s approval process.
At the heart of Ramaswamy’s argument is the assertion that the FDA exceeded its authority when it granted emergency approval for Mifepristone in 2000. He contended that the agency’s use of emergency approval did not align with Congress’ criteria for what qualifies as an emergency approval. Ramaswamy shared this perspective with voters at the town hall, emphasizing his belief that the Supreme Court would likely align with his viewpoint on the matter.
The Supreme Court recently agreed to hear appeals related to actions by the FDA, supported by the Biden administration and drug manufacturer Danco, aimed at facilitating easier access to and use of Mifepristone following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. The Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization transferred the authority on abortion rights to individual states. Subsequently, several states enacted restrictive abortion laws. Mifepristone, also known as Mifeprex, is a pill used in combination with misoprostol for medication abortion.
Ramaswamy’s stance aligns with pro-life arguments challenging the FDA’s approval of Mifepristone. These challenges, represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, have seen mixed success in lower courts. The Biden administration and Danco seek the Court’s intervention to reverse restrictions imposed by an appellate ruling, affecting access to the drug through mail and imposing other limitations, even in states where abortion remains legal.
Ramaswamy characterized the case as a symptom of issues within the administrative state, highlighting the influence of bureaucrats in federal agencies. He urged voters who disagreed with his position to engage in the democratic process to expand abortion access through Congress. Ramaswamy pledged that, if elected president, he would rescind unconstitutional federal regulations not passed by Congress.
In response to these developments, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized the administration’s commitment to defending the FDA’s independent approval and regulation of Mifepristone as safe and effective. She asserted that overturning the FDA’s decisions would jeopardize the agency’s scientific, independent judgment and impose outdated restrictions on medication abortion access. Jean-Pierre reiterated President Biden and Vice President Harris’ dedication to safeguarding women’s ability to access reproductive care.
