Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02), Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14), Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08), and Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-02) introduced the Right to FDA-Approved Medicines Act—legislation to protect Americans’ access to safe and effective medications that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  The effort responds to Republicans in Texas and states across the country restricting access to FDA-approved abortion care drugs such as Mifepristone.

“Everyone deserves access to life saving, FDA-approved drugs,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “But states like Texas have attempted to block Americans’ access to safe and effective abortion care medications like Mifepristone, which was approved by the federal government more than 20 years ago.  I am glad to join Congresswoman Ross in introducing the Right to FDA-Approved Medicines Act to protect access to FDA-approved drugs like Mifepristone and to protect the health, dignity, and freedom of women and families across our country.”

“In recent years, we’ve seen a troubling rise in politically motivated attempts by extremist state legislatures to block access to safe, effective medications approved by the FDA,” said Congresswoman Deborah Ross.  “This legislation clarifies that if a medication is approved by the FDA, no state can stand in the way of a patient who needs it.  Allowing states to second-guess the FDA and ban safe, life-saving medications sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the entire drug approval process.  Science, not politics, should guide health care in this country.  Thank you to my colleagues for joining me in this important effort.

“The safety and efficacy of medications should be determined by science and medical experts – not partisan politics,” said Congresswoman Kathy Castor.  “FDA sets the gold standard for drug review and approval.  Floridians and Americans across the country deserve consistent access to FDA-approved medications, whether it’s for abortion care or cancer treatments.  This legislation ensures that extremist politicians cannot deny patients the right to get the care and medication they need to live healthy lives.”

"Patients should never lose access to medications because of where they live, and we’ve already seen states try to ban medications such as mifepristone.  As a physician, I know that blocking access to critical medicines will compromise people’s health and inevitably lead to adverse outcomes for patients," said Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D.  "That's why I'm proud to introduce this legislation to ensure that patients across the country have access to FDA-approved medications, vaccinations, and reproductive care.”

“When politicians override science to push an agenda, it puts everyone’s health at risk,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan.  “Doctors should be able to prescribe safe, effective, FDA-approved medications based on what’s best for their patients – not what politicians believe.  The Right to FDA Approved Medicines Act protects access to lifesaving prescriptions like mifepristone and ensures health care decisions stay between patients and their doctors, not politicians.”

Last Congress, Congresswoman Fletcher introduced the Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act with Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-18) to reaffirm that the abortion pill was appropriately approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

To view the full text of the bill, click here.