Good News!

[Content Note: War on agency.]

The FDA has reaffirmed the safety of Mifepristone and approved a new label for medication abortion. And, as Tara Culp-Ressler notes at Think Progress, in the process, they have "removed one of anti-abortion lawmakers' favorite talking points."

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Thank you, FDA!

Vicki Saporta, President and CEO of the National Abortion Federation, said in a statement: "We are delighted that the FDA has approved a label change, which brings the label for mifepristone in-line with scientific research and evidence-based practice. ...Because providers in the United States have already been providing evidence-based care, which the new label now recognizes, actual practice will not change. What will change is that politicians can no longer deny women access to this safe and effective method of early abortion care by insisting on an out-dated regimen. We hope the new label changes will soon allow women to access medical abortion care in states where anti-choice restrictions have made this evidence-based care unavailable."

Raegan McDonald-Mosley, Chief Medical Officer of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in a statement:

First and foremost, this is another affirmation from the FDA that medication abortion is a safe and effective option to end an early pregnancy. Studies show medication abortion has a 99 percent safety record, and that medication abortion is up to 98 percent effective in ending an early pregnancy...

Since Planned Parenthood's medical standards are constantly-evolving with the latest clinical research findings, we have actually had the protocols approved today in place at Planned Parenthood for some time. But given the restrictions on medication abortion enacted at the state level in recent years, updating the label to reflect best medical practice represents a significant step forward for science, for women, and for health care providers who want to give our patients the highest quality care.

And Amy Hagstrom Miller, President and CEO of Whole Woman's Health, said in a statement: "Today's FDA announcement of a label change to Mifepristone is a significant advancement for women in the United States. All of us at Whole Woman's Health are thrilled that the updated FDA labeling reflects evidence-based care that is best for women. People who visit our clinics deserve options for abortion care without worrying about medically unnecessary obstacles and this change allows for more women to get the care they deserve."

She added: "While we appreciate this step forward, we also acknowledge that there are still too many restrictions preventing women from quality care. The reality is that low-income women, women of color, and rural women bear the brunt of abortion care restrictions. We will continue to fight for the day when all women have access to the compassionate and comprehensive reproductive health care that we provide at our clinics."

YES.