Today, more than 100 advocacy organizations led by Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Physicians for Reproductive Health signed a letter urging Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to oppose attacks on mifepristone — one of two medications used in a medication abortion — in the fiscal year 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies bill. In response to the bill, Representative Rosa DeLauro introduced an amendment to remove that provision.
The groups call the measure an “attempt to force back in place burdensome, medically unnecessary restrictions the FDA lifted earlier this year after extensive, evidence-based review.”
Read more highlights from the letter below:
“Mifepristone is incredibly safe. It is supported by hundreds of studies and has a proven safety and effectiveness record of 99%. Mifepristone has been used by more than 5 million people for more than two decades and is one of two medications commonly used in medication abortions that accounts for more than half of all abortions across the country.”
New, repeated polling has demonstrated that people want mifepristone to remain on the market and accessible.
“Banning or restricting access to mifepristone across the country would most severely impact people living in medically underserved communities, especially people of color and people with low incomes, who already face barriers to care due to systemic inequities in our country’s health care system.”
“New, repeated polling has demonstrated that people want mifepristone to remain on the market and accessible. In addition, the majority of people trust the FDA and want the agency to remain an independent body that is permitted to follow the medicine and science.”
“This harmful new rider is another attack on our fundamental freedom to make decisions about our own bodies. It is imperiling critical legislation by attaching ideological policy provisions that have no place in annual appropriations bills.”
“Under no circumstances should lawmakers be using the appropriations process to further attack access to essential care.”
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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.
Physicians for Reproductive Health is a physician-led national advocacy organization that organizes, mobilizes, and amplifies the voices of medical providers to advance sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice. PRH’s programs combine education, advocacy, and strategic communications to ensure access to the full spectrum of equitable, comprehensive reproductive health care. PRH believes that this work is necessary for all people to live freely with dignity, safety, and security.