Murray, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, had criticized Republicans earlier this week over a measure that sought to stop abortion services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The GOP bill failed to advance in a procedural vote on Wednesday.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., who joined Murray in condemning the Republican measure, commented on the order Friday. Saying that «Anything short of preserving access» to the FDA-approved drug would set a «dangerous new precedent in which a dishonest judge could deprive millions of Americans of access to a safe and effective drug.»
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee who reintroduced legislation in March to codify abortion rights after it failed to pass the Senate last year, he was cautiously optimistic about the court order.
“We can exhale for now: access to medical abortion remains legal, but the danger to women’s health care has not abated,” she said. tweeted.
Across the aisle, some Republicans question the safety of the drug mifepristone, suggesting that it contains «real risks.»
«I will continue to do everything in my power to protect women, girls and unborn children from the real risks of homemade chemical abortion pills.» saying Senator James Lankford, Republican of Oklahoma.
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Mississippi, said on Twitter that «we will continue the fight as the case continues to hold the @US_FDA accountable for endangering mothers and babies through chemical abortion drugs.»
Rep. Michelle Fischbach, R-Minn., co-chair of the House Pro-Life Caucus, also framed her frustration as a concern for the safety of women.
«The abortion pill can cause complications and adverse events. This is widely known. We need to protect women and girls from the dangers of this drug,» Fischbach wrote. On twitter.
The top Republicans in each chamber, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, had no comment Friday night. Its offices did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Congressional Republicans have struggled to rally around a unified message on abortion after election losses after the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade last year. The same challenges are also plaguing Republican presidential hopefuls, many of whom have not solidified their positions on an abortion ban and access to drugs like mifepristone.
The Biden administration, which filed an application in a federal appeals court last week to block the ruling, welcomed the Supreme Court order, with the president saying Kacsmaryk’s decision «would have undermined the FDA’s medical judgment.» and put women’s health at risk.
«I will continue to fight politically driven attacks on women’s health. But let’s be clear: The American people must continue to use their vote as their voice and elect a Congress that passes legislation restoring Roe v Wade protections.» «. Biden said in a statement.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who served as the White House’s top messenger amid the legal battle over the abortion drug, called mifepristone an «essential drug» and said the administration was committed to «defending the FDA’s ability to approve safe and effective drugs.