Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) dodged the question of whether the key abortion drug should remain available for miscarriages and instead encouraged a “real conversation” about other topics.
“Women have more problems than just abortion. Let’s have a real conversation and let’s talk about other things that are happening in the world,” Gonzales, who describes himself as “a prolific pro-lifer,” said in an interview with CNN ” State of the Union” on Sunday.
Last week, a federal judge in Texas suspended the Food and Drug Administration’s long-awaited approval of the abortion pill mifepristone, which is also used to help people with early miscarriages.
Host Dana Bash pointed out the important role of the pill in treating women experiencing miscarriages and asked Gonzales what would happen to people without access to mifepristone.
“Is he alone when this decision is made?” he asked.
“No, I think it’s important to take care of women, it’s important that we have a real discussion about women’s health care,” she replied before focusing on concerns about the US-Mexico border. “Avoid abortion, avoid, you know, the abortion conversation.”
“I have a district that’s turned upside down because of this border crisis,” he said. “There are people every day who are affected.”
“Well, both can be true; everyday people can be affected by all of these issues that Americans face,” Bash replied.
Gonzales also said Congress could “defund” the FDA if the Biden administration ignores a Texas judge’s decision blocking access to the pill.
“House Republicans have the power of the purse. And if the administration doesn’t want to follow the rules, then we’re going to have a problem,” he said. “It may be where House Republicans on the appropriations side need to eliminate the FDA’s absurd programs.”
The Texas ruling came the same day that a federal judge in Washington state ruled against mifepristone being banned from the market in 17 states and the District of Columbia. The judge ruled that the drug was safe and effective.