Trump’s FDA Pick Refuses to Say IUDs Don’t Cause Abortions

Dr. Heidi Overton, Donald Trump's nominee to lead the FDA, faced intense questioning during her confirmation hearing. Murray pressed Overton about her stance on IUDs, asking if she agreed that an intrauterine device (IUD) is an abortifacient. Overton refused to answer, stating that if confirmed, she would be "fully briefed on all their prior decisions and make determinations according to the standards of safety and efficacy."

The nominee also faced questions about mifepristone, an abortion medication, stating that it "has met the safety and efficacy standard" as per FDA approval. However, Murray pointed out that scientific evidence shows mifepristone is safe and effective. Overton defended her stance, saying she is driven by data and that the paper was written "after a change was made at the FDA in how that medication was accessed."

She also mentioned an ongoing FDA review, which she said is "very important." Democrats called for Overton to recuse herself from the mifepristone review due to her past comments. Overton's comments on mifepristone and IUDs have raised concerns about her potential influence on abortion access if confirmed.