Duval Times

President Biden’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deregulated mifepristone, allowing pregnant women to receive this chemical abortion drug via mail delivery without an in-person doctor visit. This change has led to a significant increase in the number of abortions using mifepristone. Concerns have been raised about the potential environmental impact due to increased levels of harmful chemicals in water systems.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), U.S. Representative Josh Brecheen (R-OK), and several colleagues have sent a letter to Michael Regan, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), questioning whether the agency has researched the environmental effects of mifepristone.

“Environmental protection efforts are necessary to counter the potential harm that chemical abortion drugs are creating for our people, wildlife, and ecosystems. The American people deserve to know the negative effects caused by chemical abortion drugs,” stated Rubio and Brecheen.

Joining them were U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and U.S. Representatives Matt Rosendale (R-MD), Alex Mooney (R-WV), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Barry Moore (R-AL), Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), and Jim Banks (R-IN).

The full text of their letter is as follows:

Dear Administrator Regan:

We write with regard to the chemical abortion drug mifepristone and its potential negative environmental impact, including its effect on water systems in the United States. Given the steadily increasing rate of at-home chemical abortions, it is vital that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ensure mifepristone, its active metabolites in blood and placenta tissue, and fetal remains do not pose a threat to human health or wildlife.

Mifepristone is an orally ingested pill used as part of a two-drug regimen for inducing chemical abortions by blocking progesterone, which is necessary for pregnancy support. A second drug taken 24 to 48 hours later induces contractions to expel fetal remains. Due to self-induced home use, blood and placental tissue containing active metabolites are flushed into wastewater systems along with fetal remains.

This issue has become more pressing given mifepristone's increased usage since FDA approval in 2000. In 2023 alone, chemical abortions accounted for over 63 percent of all abortions in the United States compared to 24 percent in 2011.

The full impact of mifepristone on environmental safety has not been adequately studied since its initial approval based on a 1996 assessment that did not consider current usage patterns leading contaminants into wastewater systems nationwide. Updated studies are needed reflecting today's prevalence of chemical abortions along with EPA evaluations on how byproducts such as placental tissue, fetal remains, and active metabolites affect wastewater systems.

In addition to requesting an updated assessment regarding mifepristone contamination in wastewater and drinking water systems by July 15, 2024, we seek responses from EPA addressing:

- How does EPA plan to ensure waterway safety given increased mifepristone use?

- What extent has EPA studied impacts on U.S water systems?

- If conducted studies exist: when did they occur; have they been updated considering increased chemical abortion rates?

- What negative health effects could arise from exposure through drinking water?

- How are aquatic species affected by exposure?

Thank you for your attention; we look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,