Episode
A Threat to Abortion Pills. Plus, the U.S. Shares Secrets
31:03
Published: Wed Mar 01 2023
Description
In 2000, the F.D.A. approved the medication abortion drug mifepristone. Now a federal judge in Texas is set to rule on a case filed by anti-abortion groups urging the agency to revoke its approval of mifepristone and the other main drug used for medication abortion in the United States. Abortion via medication has become increasingly common and now accounts for more than half of the nation’s abortions.Plus, the Biden administration has started talking publicly about its intelligence when it comes to China, breaking with a long tradition of keeping U.S. secrets close to the chest. The secretary of state, the director of the C.I.A. and even the president himself have made statements on TV expressing concern over China’s plans to help Russia in the war in Ukraine.Guest: Pam Belluck, a health and science correspondent for The New York Times.Julian E. Barnes, a national security correspondent for The Times.Background reading: Twelve states have sued the F.D.A. seeking removal of special restrictions on abortion pills. The suit argues that rules applying to mifepristone unnecessarily limit patients’ access to medication abortion.Bolder intelligence disclosures are part of a larger effort to stymie the Kremlin’s offensive in Ukraine and align support for Kyiv’s war effort in allied countries.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Chapters
The FDA's approval of Mifeprex, part of a two-drug regimen for abortions, is being challenged in a lawsuit by anti-abortion doctors and medical organizations who aim to protect American women and girls from dangerous chemical abortion drugs.
00:00 - 05:50 (05:50)
Summary
The FDA's approval of Mifeprex, part of a two-drug regimen for abortions, is being challenged in a lawsuit by anti-abortion doctors and medical organizations who aim to protect American women and girls from dangerous chemical abortion drugs.
EpisodeA Threat to Abortion Pills. Plus, the U.S. Shares Secrets
PodcastThe Daily
The decision of whether or not to approve Miffl Pristone rests on the hands of a judge, who could end up overturning the federal government's approval, leading to dueling federal judges and eventually, the Supreme Court.
05:50 - 15:24 (09:33)
Summary
The decision of whether or not to approve Miffl Pristone rests on the hands of a judge, who could end up overturning the federal government's approval, leading to dueling federal judges and eventually, the Supreme Court. Even if the judge rules to block Miffl Pristone, women will still have access to medication abortion.
EpisodeA Threat to Abortion Pills. Plus, the U.S. Shares Secrets
PodcastThe Daily
The Biden administration is publicly disclosing intelligence about China's plans to assist Russia in a potential war with Ukraine, in an effort to deter China from getting involved and providing support to Russia.
15:24 - 21:35 (06:11)
Summary
The Biden administration is publicly disclosing intelligence about China's plans to assist Russia in a potential war with Ukraine, in an effort to deter China from getting involved and providing support to Russia. This strategy is an attempt to prevent a two-superpower conflict from emerging in the region.
EpisodeA Threat to Abortion Pills. Plus, the U.S. Shares Secrets
PodcastThe Daily
The US is adopting a new approach to intelligence that needs to be reliable, as mistakes can damage intelligence agencies' credibility.
21:35 - 29:05 (07:30)
Summary
The US is adopting a new approach to intelligence that needs to be reliable, as mistakes can damage intelligence agencies' credibility. The adoption of this new approach allows for the safe disclosure of intelligence without endangering sources.
EpisodeA Threat to Abortion Pills. Plus, the U.S. Shares Secrets
PodcastThe Daily
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot was defeated in a distant third place in her bid for reelection, failing to advance into a runoff scheduled for next month.
29:05 - 30:57 (01:51)
Summary
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot was defeated in a distant third place in her bid for reelection, failing to advance into a runoff scheduled for next month. The race was dominated by the issue of crime, and Lightfoot struggled to make a case for a second term amidst soaring homicide rates and spikes in other crimes.