December 9 2002

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Even before he has been officially nominated for a position related to the Food and Drug Administration, David Hager is being attacked by abortion pill advocates. The Bush administration is considering Hager, a Kentucky obstetrician, for a post on the Advisory Committee for Reproductive Health Drugs.

Critics accuse Hager, a member of the Christian Medical Association, of being "radically religious." The committee advises the FDA on the safety and effectiveness of drugs that obstetricians and gynecologists prescribe.

Hager's critics argued on October 22 that Hager, who opposes the RU-486 abortion pill, is biased. "My concern with his nomination is that he brings very narrow views rather than objective scientific scrutiny," said Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin.

But the Christian Medical Association said Hager's detractors fear his "well-grounded" opposition to the abortion pill. The CMA is petitioning the FDA to reexamine its approval of the abortion drug.

"Hager is the latest victim of religious profiling," said Ken Connor, president of the Family Research Council. "What pro-abortion advocates really believe is that even if a candidate is well-qualified and a good doctor, [that person] can't be an outspoken Christian and get appointed."

FDA officials say Hager has outstanding medical qualifications and dismiss critics, saying they oppose Hager for his conservative views.

Related coverage includes:

Bush FDA Nominee Cites Safety Concerns Over RU-486—CNSNews (Nov. 20, 2002)

Hager isn't horrible—World (Nov. 2, 2002)

On defense, religious right makes attack—Ellen Goodman, New Haven Register (Oct. 25, 2001)

FRC Calls Attacks on FDA Candidate 'Religious Profiling'—Family Research Council (Oct. 16, 2002)

Tribulation Worketh ...