Blanche Told Faith Leaders on a Private Call He Will Act to Restrict Abortion Pills — Going Further Than He Told Senators

On a July 30, 2026 White House Faith Office call with religious leaders, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said he wants the Dobbs decision to "become permanent in every single state" and that he is working "hand in hand" with the Department of Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration and the White House on the issue, according to a recording posted online by the Virginia group Intercessors for America and first reported on Aug. 3. The recording was removed by late Tuesday, Aug. 4. Blanche indicated restrictions were being prepared on telehealth prescribing and mail delivery of abortion medication.

The reported commitments are more expansive than what Blanche described at his confirmation hearing, which is why Sen. Susan Collins cited them in announcing her opposition. What a nominee tells a private audience versus a Senate committee is the ordinary test of candor in the advice-and-consent process.

No rule or enforcement action has been issued. Louisiana's suit asking the FDA to rescind the 2023 rule allowing mifepristone without an in-person visit is pending, and the FDA's own mifepristone safety review is not due until at least December.