On what should have been the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, President Biden signed a Presidential Memorandum instructing government agencies to protect access to mifepristone throughout the country. Mifepristone is the FDA approved drug used in medication abortions, which account for the majority of abortions in the country. The president’s memo addresses the Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, reiterating the Biden administration’s dedication to the fight for reproductive rights.
The memorandum praises the FDA for taking evidence-based action to expand access to mifepristone and lays out the administration’s plans to protect legal access to medication abortion, as well as safeguard patient safety and security. Biden requests that the federal agencies consider “issuing guidance for patients seeking legal access to mifepristone” and take any action needed to further educate the public on their ability to receive reproductive care.
The Interagency Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare Access will also be provided with information surrounding “potential barriers faced by patients seeking legal access to mifepristone or other reproductive healthcare” and resources to address these barriers. The memorandum acknowledges the threats made by the pro-life opposition to prevent people from accessing pharmacies that provide mifepristone and ensures that patients will be able to access legal reproductive care, free from harassment and violence.
Biden states, “Defending and protecting reproductive rights is essential to our Nation’s health, safety, and progress. It is the policy of my Administration to protect against threats to the liberty and autonomy of those who live in this country.” The Feminist Majority applauds the Biden administration for their continued support of reproductive justice.
Sources: WhiteHouse.gov 1/23/2023