FDA removal of restrictions on telemedicine abortions prompts celebration, safety concerns

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has lifted restrictions on telemedicine abortions, reigniting debate over the administration of the controversial drug mifepristone.

Janet Woodcock, the acting FDA commissioner, told ACOG existing literature didn't appear to show increases in serious safety concerns (ectopic pregnancy, hemorrhage and surgical interventions) as a result of modifying the in-person requirement during COVID-19. She added that the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, housed within the FDA, found that "the small number of adverse events reported to FDA during COVID-19 ... provide no indication that any program deviation or noncompliance with the Mifepristone REMS Program contributed to the reported adverse events." REMS – Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy – refers to safety protocols for taking the medication.