On July 25, 2025, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary reaffirmed the agency’s position regarding the abortion pill mifepristone in a recent interview with POLITICO. Makary stated that there are currently no plans to modify policies related to the drug, which is used to terminate pregnancies during the first 10 weeks. He emphasized the FDA’s ongoing commitment to reviewing safety data on mifepristone, a requirement from prior administrations. ‘You always have to be open-minded. You have to listen to different opinions and make decisions based on what you think is the right thing to do,’ Makary said.
This stance mirrors one he expressed during the Semafor World Economy Summit in April, where Makary reiterated that there are no plans to restrict the availability of the drug. However, he cautioned that the FDA would not hesitate to act if the data suggested a safety issue. ‘There is an ongoing set of data that is coming into the FDA on mifepristone,’ he noted. ‘So if the data suggests something or tells us that there’s a real signal, we can’t promise we’re not going to act on that data.’
The continued focus on mifepristone has sparked new discussions among medical professionals and policymakers. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has raised concerns about the drug’s safety, writing a letter to Makary in April. ‘I urge you to follow this new data and take all appropriate action to restore critical safeguards on the use of mifepristone. The health and safety of American women depend on it,’ Hawley wrote.
Makary’s comments highlight the ongoing debate around the drug’s regulatory status. While he has no immediate plans to alter policy, he remains open to adjusting procedures based on emerging evidence. The FDA has not yet provided a final determination on the drug’s safety, and the situation continues to evolve as new data is reviewed. This decision has implications for both healthcare providers and patients, particularly in the context of reproductive rights and women’s health. As the situation develops, the FDA remains the central authority in determining the drug’s regulatory framework, though the political and ethical dimensions of the issue persist as part of the broader national discourse.