Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that over 25 years of real-world evidence and hundreds of peer-reviewed studies proving that mifepristone is safe and effective should be respected, and law and policy governing access to lifesaving, time-sensitive medication abortion care in the United States should be equitable, transparent, and based on the best available peer-reviewed evidence-based science.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1285
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-14: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-25T08:08:46Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H. Res. 1285
Purpose
This non-binding resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that over 25 years of real-world data and peer-reviewed studies confirm mifepristone is safe and effective for medication abortion and miscarriage management. It calls for laws and policies on access to this care to remain equitable, transparent, and grounded in the best available scientific evidence, while respecting the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) regulatory authority.
Key Provisions
- The preamble outlines the FDA's statutory role under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to approve drugs based on safety and effectiveness, and to use Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) only when necessary to balance benefits and risks without unduly burdening patient access.
- It highlights mifepristone's FDA approval more than 25 years ago after extensive clinical trials, its strong safety record (with serious complications described as extremely rare), and the 2021–2023 updates to its REMS that allow dispensing by certified pharmacies via mail or in person, in addition to prescriber supervision.
- The resolution notes that medication abortion accounted for 63 percent of U.S. abortions in 2023, recognizes its inclusion on the World Health Organization's essential medicines list since 2005, and references the availability of mifepristone in over 90 countries.
- The operative clauses (resolved section) state that:
- FDA policies on medication abortion must rely on transparent scientific review and consider burdens on patients and the health care system.
- Congress has authorized the FDA to regulate drugs based on scientific evidence without political interference.
- Multiple FDA reviews have affirmed mifepristone's safety and effectiveness, including when prescribed via telemedicine and dispensed by mail or at pharmacies.
- Preserving and expanding access to medication abortion, including through telemedicine and pharmacy dispensing, is essential to reduce disparities for specific groups.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution introduces no changes to existing law, as it is a non-binding expression of congressional opinion rather than enforceable legislation. It does not alter the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, FDA regulations, or state abortion laws but affirms support for current FDA determinations on mifepristone.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: It could reinforce the FDA's independence in drug regulation and encourage continued evidence-based adjustments to the mifepristone REMS without additional restrictions.
- On citizens: The resolution emphasizes the importance of maintaining access to reduce travel burdens, wait times, and health risks for those seeking care, particularly in states with abortion bans or restrictions following the 2022 Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.
- On international relations: It notes global recognition of mifepristone by the World Health Organization but does not propose new international actions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Patients seeking medication abortion, especially those in states with bans or restrictions.
- Health care providers and pharmacies involved in prescribing and dispensing.
- Medical and scientific organizations that endorse mifepristone use.
- Federal agencies, primarily the FDA.
- Groups advocating for or against expanded access to abortion services.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The resolution references the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, highlighting resulting state-level bans in 20 states as of May 2026 and ongoing lawsuits challenging FDA oversight of mifepristone.
- It underscores equity concerns, noting disproportionate effects on Black and Indigenous people, people of color, immigrants, lower-income individuals, rural residents, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and those experiencing intimate partner violence.
- Politically, it positions the issue as one of scientific integrity versus potential political interference in FDA processes.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (50)
Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Clark, Katherine M. [D-MA-5], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large], Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Stanton, Greg [D-AZ-4], Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Olszewski, Johnny [D-MD-2], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22], Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13], Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-14: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-05-14: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that over 25 years of real-world evidence and hundreds of peer-reviewed studies proving that mifepristone is safe and effective should be respected, and law and policy governing access to lifesaving, time-sensitive medication abortion care in the United States should be equitable, transparent, and based on the best available peer-reviewed evidence-based science. — issued 2026-05-14 — PDF (7 pages)