Amid efforts to restrict mifepristone access, here’s what studies say about the medication
PolitiFact – Rulings and Stories — 2026-05-26 16:09:00 — www.politifact.com
Republican Politicians Question Mifepristone’s Safety Amid Legal Challenges
Legal challenges to mifepristone, the first of two pills used in medication abortions, have sparked a wave of misinformation from some Republican politicians regarding the drug’s safety. In 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) eased restrictions on mifepristone, allowing it to be prescribed via telehealth and delivered by mail, even in states where abortion is banned. However, several states have initiated legal actions claiming that access to mifepristone undermines their abortion restrictions.
As these lawsuits progress, Republican U.S. senators have made alarming claims about mifepristone’s health risks, suggesting that one in ten women experience serious complications or require emergency room visits after taking the drug. This statistic originates from a report by a conservative nonprofit opposed to abortion, which has faced significant criticism for its lack of peer-reviewed validation and methodological flaws. Over 250 reproductive health researchers have condemned the report for failing to disclose its data sources.
Trump Administration’s Inaction on Mifepristone Safety Review
During his presidency, Donald Trump’s administration, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., pledged to review mifepristone’s safety. However, health agencies have yet to release any new safety evaluations. This lack of action has left many experts and advocates concerned about the implications of misinformation surrounding the drug.
“We’ve been using mifepristone in the U.S. for over two decades and we aren’t seeing legitimate studies that are documenting any medical fallout or medical complications from this drug,” said Rachel Jones, a principal research scientist at the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports reproductive rights. This statement underscores the extensive research backing mifepristone’s safety.
Decades of Research Support Mifepristone’s Safety
More than 100 studies conducted over 30 years have consistently shown that medication abortion, including the use of mifepristone, is safe and effective. Data indicates that medication abortions successfully terminate pregnancies approximately 95% of the time. The FDA approved Mifeprex, the brand name for mifepristone, after a thorough review of scientific evidence, and has since monitored its safety without identifying any new concerns.
In an online Q&A last reviewed in April 2026, the FDA stated, “not identified any new safety concerns” with Mifeprex or its generic counterparts for terminating pregnancies up to 70 days gestation.
Complications from Medication Abortions Are Rare
Research indicates that serious complications from medication abortions are exceedingly rare. A comprehensive analysis by The New York Times of 101 studies found that over 99% of patients who took mifepristone experienced no serious complications, which could include hospitalization or major surgery.
A 2013 study involving over 233,000 medication abortions conducted by Planned Parenthood found that 99.34% were completed without any known complications. In this study, only 0.1% of patients required emergency department treatment, and 0.6% were admitted to the hospital.
Furthermore, a 2015 study published in the journal *Obstetrics & Gynecology* examined nearly 55,000 abortions, both medication and in-clinic procedures, and found a complication rate of about 2.1%, with most complications being minor. Among approximately 11,000 medication abortion cases analyzed, 5.2% had complications, with major complications occurring in only 0.3% of cases.
Conclusion: The Importance of Accurate Information
The ongoing legal battles over mifepristone access and the misinformation propagated by some Republican politicians highlight the critical need for accurate information regarding medication abortion. As experts and extensive research confirm the safety and effectiveness of mifepristone, it is essential for public discourse to be grounded in verified facts rather than exaggerated claims. The stakes are high, as misinformation can influence public opinion and policy, potentially impacting access to safe reproductive healthcare.
Source: https://www.politifact.com/article/2026/may/26/medication-abortion-mifepristone-safety-studies/