Kennedy Accuses Biden Administration of 'Twisting Data' on Abortion Pill Risks
HHS Secretary says FDA buried safety signals on mifepristone, pledges “honest science” review.
WASHINGTON — Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. told senators Thursday that the Biden administration “twisted the data” on the abortion pill mifepristone to conceal safety concerns, including a high rate of medical complications for women.
Kennedy, testifying before the Senate alongside pro-life lawmakers including Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), said his department is reviewing new data and preparing a report on the drug’s risks. He cited a recent analysis of more than 865,000 chemical abortions between 2017 and 2023, which found that nearly 11% of women experienced serious adverse events within 45 days of taking mifepristone. Reported complications included hemorrhage, infection, sepsis, and hospitalization, with nearly 3% requiring follow-up surgical abortion.
“We know that during the Biden administration, they actually twisted the data to bury one of the safety signals – a very high safety signal of 11%,” Kennedy told lawmakers. “We’re going to make sure that doesn’t happen anymore.”
Pro-life leaders praised Kennedy’s comments, with Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser calling them an overdue acknowledgment of long-ignored concerns. She urged swift action to restore safeguards, including in-person dispensing of the drug.
The FDA loosened restrictions on mifepristone during the Obama and Biden administrations, allowing mail-order distribution and removing certain safety warnings. Critics argue these changes have left women vulnerable to severe complications and abuse.
