Senator Criticizes Drug Policy After Ohio Tragedy

Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio is raising concerns about a drug policy implemented during the Biden administration. He argues that it facilitated a tragic incident involving one of his constituents. Moreno is urging the Department of Justice to take action to prevent similar events in the future.

Ohio doctor Hassan Abbas was recently sentenced for identity fraud and deception related to obtaining a dangerous drug. Abbas reportedly used his estranged wife’s details to acquire abortion pills by mail. He allegedly forced these pills on his girlfriend, who was also a former patient, after discovering her pregnancy. The woman stated she did not want an abortion and claimed Abbas restrained her while administering the pills.

“I write to you today, Attorney General Blanche, to respectfully request that you do everything in your power to ensure this depravity never happens again to a woman and their unborn child,” Moreno expressed in a letter obtained by Fox News Digital.

Moreno’s letter follows his criticism of Biden-era policies, specifically a 2023 change by the FDA under the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy. This change allowed the drug mifepristone to be prescribed via telehealth and sent by mail. Moreno contends that this policy enabled Abbas to acquire the drug without visiting a pharmacy, using his estranged wife’s identity. Previously, obtaining mifepristone required an in-person visit to a medical facility.

The senator’s concerns follow the legal challenge in Louisiana against the FDA’s rule, arguing it improperly eliminated the in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone. This court case is ongoing, with current rules still in place.

Moreno’s letter urges Attorney General Todd Blanche to expedite the Louisiana v. FDA case. He emphasizes the need to reinstate the in-person dispensing requirement while the FDA continues reviewing the drug’s safety. Additionally, Moreno finds the plea deal received by Abbas, which resulted in six months of jail and two years of probation, unacceptable.

“What makes this even worse is that Mr. Hassan Abbas was only sentenced to six months of jail time and two years of probation. How can someone commit a crime so vile and only receive six months of jail time?” Moreno wrote, urging the Department of Justice to review the case and consider federal charges.