Leading pro-life advocates are expressing apprehension regarding the potential health risks associated with chemical abortion pills following President-elect Trump's statement that he will not restrict access to them. These pills, also known as medical abortions, have become the most prevalent method of abortion in the U.S., comprising over 60% of all procedures.
In a recent interview on "Meet the Press," Trump unequivocally stated he would not utilize executive action to limit access to these pills, reiterating his stance that abortion is a matter for individual states to address, not the federal government. Although acknowledging that circumstances can evolve, he drew parallels to President Biden's pardon of his son Hunter, despite previous assertions to the contrary, but maintained that he didn't anticipate any policy shifts on this issue.
Under the Biden administration, access to chemical abortions expanded significantly, with the removal of the in-person requirement for administering the pills and the authorization of their distribution through mail and retail pharmacies.
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, voiced concerns about the potential dangers of unregulated mail-order abortion pills to women's health and safety. Highlighting the deaths of Amber Thurman, Candi Miller, and Alyona Dixon, attributed to complications from abortion pills, she stressed the urgency of addressing this issue.
Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life Action, expressed optimism that the Trump administration would recognize the risks associated with unrestricted chemical abortion access, emphasizing the potential harm to women, the environment, and the empowerment of abusers. She expressed hope for productive dialogue with the administration to provide them with the necessary information to take action.
Brian Burch, president of CatholicVote, interpreted Trump's acknowledgment of changing circumstances as a potential openness to reconsidering the issue in light of evidence demonstrating the harm these drugs can cause to women. He emphasized the need for regulations and oversight of the abortion industry, particularly concerning drug protocols.
