Students for Life of America threatens FDA lawsuit over mifepristone waste

Students for Life of America has issued a formal notice of intent to sue the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), alleging violations of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The advocacy group claims the agency failed to consult with relevant services regarding the approval and distribution of the chemical abortion pill mifepristone.

The legal challenge follows a peer-reviewed study published in Issues in Law & Medicine, which reported finding significant levels of mifepristone in water samples collected from three U.S. cities: Austin, Texas; Blacksburg, Virginia; and Carbondale, Illinois. The study noted the presence of the drug in various sampling classes, including some household tap water.

The group seeks to prevent the continued presence of mifepristone in U.S. waterways, arguing that the pharmaceutical waste causes harm to endangered species. The FDA has 60 days to resolve these alleged violations before the group pursues litigation.