Texas U.S. Sen. John Cornyn has joined new federal legislation aimed at restricting access to the abortion drug mifepristone, becoming the first co-sponsor of the proposal in the Senate. The bill, introduced by Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, seeks to revoke federal approval of the drug and create new legal pathways for individuals to sue manufacturers over alleged injuries, deaths, or complications tied to its use.
The legislation, titled the Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act, reflects growing frustration among some Republican lawmakers over the pace and scope of federal review of abortion medications. Hawley has indicated that current regulatory oversight has not sufficiently addressed safety concerns, particularly as access to chemical abortion has expanded in recent years.
Cornyn signed onto the bill last Thursday, making him the sole Senate co-sponsor so far. His support follows broader efforts by Republican lawmakers to challenge federal policy on abortion drugs. In October, nearly all GOP senators, including Cornyn and fellow Texan Ted Cruz, formally urged federal health agencies to pause distribution of chemical abortion pills until a more comprehensive safety review is completed.
That request came shortly after federal regulators approved an additional generic version of mifepristone, a move that intensified criticism from anti-abortion advocates. These groups have raised concerns about the current administration’s regulatory approach, particularly regarding safety protocols and oversight mechanisms.
Although the full legislative text has not yet been formally filed, the bill outlines provisions that would establish a federal cause of action for harm linked to the drug. This approach mirrors a 2025 Texas law that created civil liability for manufacturers and distributors of abortion pills, allowing private citizens to bring lawsuits under certain circumstances.
At the federal level, the debate has also involved ongoing legal and administrative actions. The Food and Drug Administration has signaled that it is conducting a comprehensive review of mifepristone, following inquiries from multiple state attorneys general, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Meanwhile, lawsuits filed by Texas and Florida challenging the drug’s approval have been temporarily paused by the Department of Justice pending the outcome of that review.
In the House of Representatives, a companion version of the bill has been introduced by Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Tennessee. Support from Republican lawmakers in both chambers suggests the proposal could become a focal point in the broader national debate over abortion policy, drug regulation, and federal authority in health care oversight.
