EPA studied detecting abortion pills in wastewater
Senior EPA officials directed agency scientists over the summer to examine whether methods could be developed to detect the abortion drug mifepristone in wastewater, following a June 18 letter from 25 Republican lawmakers to Administrator Lee Zeldin. Scientists said no EPA‑approved methods currently exist but could be developed; EPA’s press office said the agency was conducting due diligence to answer Congress, and there is no indication any detection program is underway.
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Health
📌 Key Facts
- 25 GOP lawmakers led by Sen. James Lankford and Rep. Josh Brecheen asked EPA on June 18 if methods exist to detect mifepristone in water and what resources are needed.
- EPA senior officials asked scientists to assess feasibility; experts said no EPA‑approved methods exist now but new methods could be developed.
- EPA press secretary Brigit Hirsch said the agency was preparing replies to Congress; Lankford’s office said no response had been received as of Oct. 10.