Missouri senator joins pastors and Christian leaders in calling for congressional action on chemical abortion
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has unveiled a new Declaration for Life alongside pastors and Christian leaders, calling on lawmakers to support federal legislation that would ban the abortion drug mifepristone.
Hawley announced the declaration during the First Annual Missouri Prayer Breakfast and a press conference with Christian leaders. His office said the document was written by pastors and Christian leaders from across the country and is intended to connect the defense of unborn life with Christian teaching on human dignity and America’s founding principles.
“This Declaration for Life, written by pastors, is calling on everyday Christians across America to stand for life and confront the scourge of chemical abortion,” Hawley said, according to his office. He also called on lawmakers from both parties to sign the declaration and vote on his legislation to ban mifepristone.
The declaration points to the Declaration of Independence’s recognition of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” arguing that the right to life is foundational to the others. Its signers describe themselves as Christians from churches, seminaries, universities and allied organizations signing as individuals rather than on behalf of their institutions.
The document focuses heavily on medication abortion and argues that state abortion restrictions are insufficient while mifepristone can be dispensed by mail. It calls for a national ban on the drug.
FDA Maintains Mifepristone Is Safe Under Approved Conditions
The safety of mifepristone remains contested in the political debate. Hawley and the declaration cite concerns about serious complications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, however, currently states that mifepristone is safe when used as indicated and under its Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy. The FDA says its periodic reviews have not identified new safety concerns, while acknowledging reports of serious adverse events and continuing a safety study of the drug.
Mifepristone is FDA-approved, in combination with misoprostol, to terminate an intrauterine pregnancy through 10 weeks of gestation. Under the current federal REMS program, it must be prescribed by a certified health-care provider and may be dispensed through certified pharmacies, including by mail.
The declaration also urges churches to support women and families facing difficult pregnancies through local congregations, pregnancy resource centers, maternity homes, disability ministries and post-abortion healing programs.
Sources: Office of Sen. Josh Hawley; U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
