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Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) today introduced the Support and Value Expectant (SAVE) Moms & Babies Act, legislation that addresses many of the concerns surrounding chemical abortion pills. The SAVE Moms & Babies Act would prevent labeling changes for already approved abortion drugs; prevent providers from dispensing these drugs remotely, by mail, or via tele-medicine; and prevent the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from approving new chemical abortion drugs. 

“While the national abortion rate decline is a welcome sign, the dramatic rise in use of the abortion pill should worry pro-life activists and pro-abortion activists alike,” said Congressman Latta. “We know from patient testimonies and FDA studies that there is nothing simple or easy about the chemical abortion pill. Without proper medical oversight, it has resulted in hospitalizations, severe complications, and several deaths. Lawmakers and advocates pushing for this pill to be available on demand and over the counter are neglecting the safety and health of women across this country. The SAVE Moms & Babies Act helps ensure this abortion method is recognized for what it is: dangerous.”

BACKGROUND

 This week, the Guttmacher Institute, released a report on national abortion rates as of 2017. The national abortion rate declined by 8 percent from 2014, but the use of the abortion pill now accounts for 39 percent of all abortions -- up from 29 percent in 2014. 

Currently, the chemical abortion pill, Mifeprex, has a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) label on it, indicating it is a dangerous drug with known serious risks. Chemical abortions, when compared to surgical abortions, have a higher complication rate and result in a higher rate of emergency room visits. If REMS is removed, patients won’t need ultrasound or medical examination before receiving this drug, and a single health care provider could mail out chemical abortion pills to women and young girls across the country, bypassing protections like parental involvement, waiting periods, and informed consent. 

Lawmakers in California are considering legislation that would require college campus health clinics to dispense abortion pills to students.