News

WASHINGTON, September 30, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) – White House press secretary Scott McClellan was put on the hot seat Friday over the death of a young woman due to the abortion pill RU-486 which received FDA approval.  After questioning during a press briefing he told Talon news service that “The FDA is currently reviewing all the facts of this case to determine if any action is needed.”  During the press briefing, McClellan was asked, “The abortion pill, RU-486 has claimed yet another young woman’s life. When might the President direct the FDA to ban the dangerous drug and investigate the process by which it was given expedited approval under the Clinton administration? Further, what do you say to the parents of Holly Patterson, whose daughter took the drug believing it to be safe?”  McClellan responded, “The President has always expressed his concern that what’s most important is the safety of women, and that continues to be a priority for him. There are certain limitations, in terms of—well, the FDA has some independent authority and they looked at this issue previously to this administration. But the President’s concern is certainly the safety issue.”  The reporter asked again, “The FDA banned ephedra because a popular athlete died from taking it. Why is this any less important or less critical? ”  At a loss for words, McClellan offered, “Again, the President has expressed his concerns about safety.”  See the White House Press briefing and the Talon news coverage:  https://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/09/20030926-1.html#12 https://www.talonnews.com/news/2003/september/0930_ru486.shtml