LANSING (WWJ) -- The abortion pill could be easier to access after a push from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer against the feds.
Whitmer sent a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday asking them to remove the restrictions on reproductive health care, specifically mifepristone -- the abortion pill.
“Americans deserve control over their own bodies and access to reproductive health care no matter where they live or who they are, but today these fundamental rights are under attack and we must do more to protect women," said Whitmer. "That’s why I continue to take action, and urge action, at all levels to protect reproductive freedom."
The FDA currently enforces Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), which are restrictions on mifepristone. Whitmer says these are a "major roadblock" for women seeking access to timely reproductive care.
Several health associations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians, have advocated for the removal of the REMS.
Last year, through the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the FDA announced it would not enforce the in-person dispensing requirement for medication abortion -- including mifepristone. The agency then went a step further and permanently removed the in-person dispensing requirement. Now, Whitmer is calling on the FDA to remove all the REMS restrictions altogether.
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“Right now, Michigan health care workers are going above and beyond to provide reproductive health care and facing surging demand. Internet searches for abortion clinics have increased over 1,300% since the decision in Dobbs and women are coming to Michigan from other states seeking reproductive care," said Whitmer. "We must use every tool in our toolboxes to protect women, including by cutting red tape so they can access the safe, effective medicine they need."
The full letter can be viewed here.
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