Heidi Overton affirms vaccine safety in FDA nominee testimony

Dr. Heidi Overton, the nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), testified to senators that vaccines currently approved by the FDA meet standards for safety and efficacy. During her testimony, Overton endorsed the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, describing it as a vital tool for managing ongoing measles outbreaks in the United States.

Overton also addressed the safety of mifepristone, stating the abortion pill is safe and effective because it has received FDA approval. This comment follows criticism from Senate Democrats regarding a 2023 article Overton wrote in which she characterized chemical abortion as ‘dangerous to women.’

If confirmed, Overton will lead the agency, which has been under acting leadership since Dr. Marty Makary stepped down in May. Her nomination comes amid discussions regarding vaccine technology and previous comments by President Trump concerning the lethality of certain combination vaccines.