Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) has called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate Danco Laboratories, the primary distributor of the abortion drug mifepristone, over concerns about its safety and regulatory compliance. In a letter to acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Hawley requested a sweeping probe into the company’s business practices, approval process, and adherence to federal law.
DOJ Response and Context
The DOJ confirmed receipt of Hawley’s letter but did not confirm whether it would open a formal investigation. A department spokesperson stated that the agency would continue to prioritize women’s health and unborn life, citing ongoing FDA reviews of mifepristone’s safety data. The spokesperson also noted the DOJ’s commitment to investigating any illegal conduct that could harm women or unborn children.
Hawley’s Claims
Hawley’s letter, obtained by Fox News, argues that mifepristone—used in over 70% of U.S. abortions—poses serious risks to women. He cited a 2023 analysis of insurance claims data, which found that approximately 10.9% of women experienced serious adverse events, such as sepsis, infection, or hemorrhaging, within 45 days of taking the drug. Hawley also criticized Danco Laboratories for its opaque corporate structure, noting that the company was incorporated in the Cayman Islands and has secretive board members and investors.
Company Background
Danco Laboratories, which introduced mifepristone in the U.S. in 2000, has maintained a low public profile. Reports indicate the company has fewer than 20 employees and uses a P.O. Box to avoid disclosing its headquarters address. Early backers reportedly included George Soros and other activists, though Hawley’s letter suggests this raises concerns about the company’s motives.
Ongoing FDA Review
The FDA is currently reviewing mifepristone’s safety data, a process that Hawley’s letter urges the DOJ to allow to proceed. The drug, which blocks progesterone to terminate pregnancies, is typically followed by misoprostol to complete the abortion process. The FDA’s review comes amid heightened scrutiny of abortion-related medications following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade.