Chemical abortion represents almost 40% of all abortions. On April 12 the Biden Administration suspended all FDA safety regulations on the chemical abortion pill regimen RU-486 for the duration of the pandemic. The FDA placed limits on the use of chemical abortion pills given the 400 percent increased risk of serious complications for women using them as compared to surgical abortion. During the pandemic the FDA has defended its restrictions in court against a very aggressive abortion lobby. The lifting of established restrictions permits women to receive the drugs via mail to take them at home, without confirmation of pregnancy or physician oversight. Eliminating restrictions reduces the quality of women’s health care, putting them at greater risk of harm.
If cutting safety restrictions harms women, is this decision meant to improve the lives of women or satisfy a political agenda?