Trump’s new FDA nominee draws early MAHA praise, calls for action on abortion pill

August 27, 2026 / Bonni Hendley

Trump nominated Dr. Heidi Overton, MD, PhD, to serve as the next FDA Commissioner, praising her work within his administration and her collaboration with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz.
Overton is receiving early support from pro-life leaders, including Lila Rose of Live Action and John Mize of Americans United for Life. Rose has called on Overton to remove the abortion pill, mifepristone, from the market and end mail-order abortion.
Her nomination aligns with the administration’s broader health agenda, including faster drug approvals, clinical-trial reforms, lower drug prices, increased scientific innovation, and the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative.
The Senate must confirm Overton when lawmakers return in September. Her nomination follows the May resignation of former FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, who faced criticism from pro-life leaders over his handling of mifepristone and other FDA decisions.
A major issue for pro-life advocates will be the FDA’s review of mifepristone. Supporters of Overton are expressing hope that her scientific and medical background will lead to greater scrutiny of the drug’s safety and regulatory status.