Attorney General Phil Weiser has called on a federal judge in Washington state to rule against the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) restrictions on mifepristone, an abortion medication. He argues that these regulations are unlawful and create unnecessary barriers to access.
Weiser, along with other state attorneys general, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington last year. The lawsuit challenges the FDA’s regulations, claiming they impose unwarranted obstacles to obtaining mifepristone. A preliminary injunction was granted by the judge in April 2023, preventing the FDA from limiting the availability of this medication in 17 states and the District of Columbia.
The court's decision indicated that the FDA likely did not adhere to legal requirements when imposing restrictions on mifepristone. A recent summary judgment motion argues that extensive data supports mifepristone's safety and efficacy, contradicting the need for current restrictions.
Weiser emphasized his commitment to safeguarding reproductive rights: “With threats to reproductive freedom increasing, I will do everything in my power to protect abortion rights and access to reproductive health care.” He added that this action is crucial for ensuring access to medication abortions and miscarriage treatments.
Mifepristone is one of only 60 drugs under Risk Evaluation & Mitigation Strategies (REMS), typically reserved for inherently dangerous drugs like opioids. Health care providers must be certified by distributors before prescribing it, and patients must sign an agreement acknowledging their decision to use it for ending a pregnancy or treating a miscarriage.
The U.S. Supreme Court earlier overturned a Texas court ruling that sought to remove mifepristone from the market. Meanwhile, proceedings continue in Washington state's federal court.
Attorneys general from Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington state and D.C., alongside Colorado's Weiser have joined this case.