A Texas judge issued a ban on the medication on Friday.
Topline
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said Sunday a Texas federal judge’s unusual decision to halt abortion pill mifepristone’s Food and Drug Administration approval could have an effect on other FDA-approved drugs or vaccines, promising “every option is on the table” to keep the drug available.Key Facts
Speaking on CNN’s State Of The Union, Becerra said the ruling by Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk—who took the highly unusual step of overriding a 23-year-old federal drug approval—“turn[ed] upside down the entire FDA approval process.”
The decision is not about “just mifepristone,” Becerra said: “You’re talking about every kind of drug. You’re talking about our vaccines. You’re talking about insulin. You’re talking about the new Alzheimer’s drugs that may come on.”
Crucial Quote
“If a judge decides to substitute his preference, his personal opinion for that of scientists and medical professionals, what drug isn’t subject to some kind of legal challenge?” Becerra said.
