WASHINGTON (April 10, 2023)—If it is upheld, a recent ruling by a federal judge would revoke the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of mifepristone for medication abortions. Mifepristone was approved 22 years ago by the FDA. The Texas ruling is the first time a court has invalidated the FDA’s approval of a drug. If it stands, experts say it could weaken the FDA’s authority and disrupt access to healthcare for many women in the United States.
George Washington University has experts available to comment on the legal, public health and medical consequences of the ruling. To schedule an interview contact GW Media at [email protected].
Sonia M. Suter is a professor of law with an expertise in health law. Her work focuses on issues at the intersection of law, medicine, and bioethics, with a particular focus on reproductive rights and emerging reproductive technologies. Suter has recently written about the wave of lawsuits that could affect whether mifepristone is available and in which states.
Julia Strasser is a research professor of Health Policy and Management and Director of the Jacobs Institute of Women’s Health at the Milken Institute School of Public Health. She is an expert on reproductive health and the abortion provider workforce. She is available to comment on the impact of revoking FDA’s approval of mifepristone on women’s health.
Elizabeth Borkowski is a senior research scientist in Health Policy and Management at the Milken Institute School of Public Health. Her areas of expertise include reproductive health and U.S. healthcare policy affecting women's health. She is available to comment on the science and safety of mifepristone.
Melissa Tice is an assistant professor of Clinical Research and Leadership at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and director of the school’s Regulatory Affairs Program. She has spent almost 30 years in the pharmaceutical industry in various science and regulatory roles. She is available to comment on the FDA’s drug approval processes.
Sara Matthiesen is an assistant professor of history and women's, gender, and sexuality studies at the George Washington University. Professor Matthiesen is an expert on the historical arc of reproductive rights in the United States. Her research focuses on the wide-ranging effects Roe v. Wade had on American society.