Fox News medical contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier joined Ainsley Earhardt Thursday morning on FOX and Friends to discuss retail pharmacies offering abortion pills, such as Mifepristone, to terminate a pregnancy during the first trimester.
Saphier explained that most abortions are done through medication. She noted that the abortion pill Mifepristone can terminate a pregnancy within ten weeks of conception, noting its difference from the Plan B pill which can prevent a pregnancy after 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.
For over 20 years, the FDA has required Mifepristone to be given directly by the physician and taken in front of a physician to watch for severe side effects, but they have now backtracked on those guidelines saying patients can simply have a telehealth visit and pick up the medication from a pharmacy or have it mailed to them.
Saphier warned that the pill may cause birth defects in the child as it may not cause an abortion, and side effects can also be life-threatening. She added that women may be putting themselves at risk because many do not know their exact week in the pregnancy if they have not sought medical care.
Saphier also warned against politics “inserting itself into science.”