Pam Belluck, a health and science correspondent for The New York Times, discusses the looming legal battle over the abortion pill mifepristone, highlighting its significance for reproductive rights. Julian E. Barnes, a national security correspondent, sheds light on the Biden administration's unprecedented disclosure of intelligence regarding China's potential military support for Russia. Their conversation probes the implications of these issues on both domestic health policies and international diplomacy.
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Lawsuit Challenges Mifepristone Approval
Anti-abortion groups sue FDA, challenging mifepristone's approval for medication abortions.
They argue its approval was procedurally flawed and the drug is unsafe, risking hemorrhaging and infections.
insights INSIGHT
Strategic Venue Choice
The lawsuit was filed in Amarillo, Texas, where a single, conservative judge presides.
This suggests a strategic choice of venue to increase the likelihood of a favorable ruling.
insights INSIGHT
Broader Implications
A ruling against the FDA could have broad implications, setting a precedent for revoking other drug approvals.
This could affect vaccines, contraception, and other medications.
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In 2000, the F.D.A. approved the medication abortion drug mifepristone. Now a federal judge in Texas is set to rule on a case filed by anti-abortion groups urging the agency to revoke its approval of mifepristone and the other main drug used for medication abortion in the United States. Abortion via medication has become increasingly common and now accounts for more than half of the nation’s abortions.
Plus, the Biden administration has started talking publicly about its intelligence when it comes to China, breaking with a long tradition of keeping U.S. secrets close to the chest. The secretary of state, the director of the C.I.A. and even the president himself have made statements on TV expressing concern over China’s plans to help Russia in the war in Ukraine.
Guest: Pam Belluck, a health and science correspondent for The New York Times.
Julian E. Barnes, a national security correspondent for The Times.
Background reading:
Twelve states have sued the F.D.A. seeking removal of special restrictions on abortion pills. The suit argues that rules applying to mifepristone unnecessarily limit patients’ access to medication abortion.
Bolder intelligence disclosures are part of a larger effort to stymie the Kremlin’s offensive in Ukraine and align support for Kyiv’s war effort in allied countries.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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