Kennedy launches abortion pill review

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This week has been a whirlwind in the realm of disability coverage. On Wednesday, after a long day writing my third article within the span of three days, I suddenly realized I hadn’t eaten and, in a moment of desperation, grabbed a two-liter bottle of Sunkist. The sugar hit my empty stomach like a freight train, nearly sending me over the edge.

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Kennedy and Makary Initiate Fresh Review of Mifepristone

Officials are urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reassess the safety profile of mifepristone, an abortion-inducing medication.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary recently sent a letter to state attorneys general, highlighting reports of “serious adverse events” associated with mifepristone use. The FDA intends to review existing evidence to ensure that women’s health remains protected by thoroughly examining the guidelines for when mifepristone can be dispensed safely.

Numerous studies have substantiated the effectiveness and safety of mifepristone, including research on its administration at home versus in clinical settings. Most recently, in 2023, the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy was amended to abolish the necessity of in-person authorization, which has significantly improved access for individuals living far from healthcare facilities.

Insights on Indirect Costs: Changes in Federal Research Support

At STAT, we continuously investigate the implications of indirect costs in research, which encompass essential expenses such as building upkeep and support staff salaries that are vital for sustaining biomedical discoveries.

Recent discussions have emerged surrounding the Trump administration’s and Congress’s desire to drastically cut funding for these indirect costs at prestigious universities and research institutions. STAT’s Jonathan Wosen interviewed Gil Tran, a former Office of Management and Budget official who was instrumental in developing a government-wide framework for grant management.

For those affiliated with academic or research institutions, staying informed on the expected changes regarding indirect cost funding is crucial. I highly recommend reading Jonathan’s piece, which contains valuable insights from Tran about how federal negotiations on indirect cost rates could evolve.

Imagining a Smaller NIH: A Thought Experiment

A group of four researchers published a compelling thought experiment in Science this week, exploring a scenario where the NIH’s budget had always been 40% lower.

Considering the landscape since the beginning of the year, new and competitive grants at the NIH have plummeted over 40% compared to the previous 12 months. The researchers analyzed potential outcomes of this reduced funding on the development of vital medications, recognizing that the path to market approval for new treatments can span decades.

The study suggested that significant drugs, including a treatment for leukemia and one for type 1 Gaucher disease, would likely have not made it to market under such constraints. They noted that nearly 12% of new drug approvals since the year 2000 are directly linked to research that would not have been funded at reduced levels. For more details, click here.

Escalating Ebola Outbreak in Congo

Southern Congo is grappling with a severe Ebola outbreak, with numerous fatalities reported. Since the outbreak’s announcement on September 4th, 2025, the World Health Organization has recorded nearly 60 cases and 35 deaths, resulting in a fatality rate exceeding 61%. The lone treatment facility in the region is overwhelmed, and aid organizations are striving to secure additional funding for containment efforts. Health officials express concern that cuts to U.S. funding may hinder these initiatives, given the historical support for Congo’s public health programs.

This marks my third report highlighting this troubling situation, and I sincerely hope that future updates will bring more positive developments. For ongoing coverage, find more here.

Concerns Grow Over Access to Gender-Affirming Care

Recently, ongoing anti-trans narratives and policies from President Trump and other officials have contributed to rising concerns among Americans regarding their future access to gender-affirming care, as reported by a recent poll conducted by The 19th and Survey Monkey.

In just a year, the percentage of Americans fearing increased restrictions on this essential care has surged from 20% to nearly 40%, according to a survey of over 20,000 U.S. residents conducted in September.

Despite the scientific consensus among major medical organizations that gender-affirming care is critical and potentially life-saving for transgender individuals, many politicians remain unconvinced. Currently, 40% of trans youth reside in states that have enacted legislation limiting access to gender-affirming care—a statistic that is likely to increase, particularly given new policies being discussed by the Trump administration.

Noteworthy Reads

• Meet Stefanie Spear, closely associated with RFK Jr. in HHS, Vanity Fair.
• The intriguing narrative of DOGE as recounted by federal workers, WIRED.
• An estimated 1.4 million lawfully present immigrants are set to lose health coverage due to the 2025 tax and budget law, KFF.
• RFK Jr.’s team aimed to promote an autism therapy but chose to target Tylenol instead, Wall Street Journal.
• The Pentagon has introduced exemptions concerning flu shot requirements for all service members, AP.