Murrill, Republican AGs urge EPA to classify mifepristone as water contaminant
Fourteen state attorneys general are asking the EPA to classify the abortion medication mifepristone as a water contaminant. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Fourteen state attorneys general are asking the EPA to classify the abortion medication mifepristone as a water contaminant. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Republican attorneys general from 14 states and 19 GOP members of Congress are asking U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin to classify and regulate the abortion medication mifepristone as a water contaminant.
Mifepristone is prescribed as part of a two-drug medication regimen to terminate a pregnancy. Studies have shown medication abortion to be safe and effective.
In a letter last Friday, the state officials argued that mifepristone is “a growing threat to the country’s waterways.” The letter was signed by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas.
A concurrent letter, led by Republican Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey, made similar claims and was signed by 18 other GOP members of Congress.
Environmental health science experts say there is no evidence that mifepristone in wastewater causes harm to the environment or to humans.
“There’s no evidence that medication abortion is affecting U.S. water systems, including drinking water and aquatic wildlife,” the Center for Biological Diversity, which advocates for stronger environmental protections, says on its website.