A Senate hearing on chemical abortion drugs erupted into a viral moment after Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley (R) challenged OB-GYN Dr. Nisha Verma on a basic biological question: can men become pregnant?
The session, held by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, focused on the safety of mifepristone and sparked a heated discussion that quickly drew national attention.
The exchange began when Florida Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL) asked Verma whether male patients could become pregnant.
Verma responded carefully, noting that she treats patients across a spectrum of identities and expressing uncertainty about the purpose of the question. Hawley intervened, emphasizing that the inquiry sought a clear, science-based answer.
Hawley pressed, stating the goal was “just the truth,” and asked Verma directly whether men can get pregnant.
She hesitated, explaining that her practice encompasses patients of many identities and that framing the question as a yes-or-no issue oversimplified the matter.
“I also think yes-no questions like this are a political tool,” she said.
The senator continued to insist on a straightforward response, citing her previous statement that “science and evidence should control, not politics.”
“Let’s just test that proposition: Can men get pregnant?” Hawley repeated, emphasizing that the inquiry was rooted in biological fact rather than policy debate.
Verma deflected, highlighting the complexity of patient care and the potential for politically charged interpretations.
Hawley countered, stressing that the matter was scientific, not partisan.
“No, yes-no questions are about the truth, doctor. Let’s not make a mockery of this proceeding. This is about science and evidence,” he said.
After several minutes, Hawley shifted the conversation to mifepristone safety, citing studies suggesting adverse health events in approximately 11 percent of cases—far exceeding the rates indicated on the FDA label.
He criticized Verma for declining to acknowledge the biological reality that men cannot become pregnant.
“I don’t know how we can take you seriously and your claims to be a person of science if you won’t level with us on this basic issue!” he concluded.
Verma attempted to reframe the discussion around patient language and care, arguing that polarized phrasing was counterproductive.
Video clips of the exchange circulated widely on social media, drawing criticism and commentary across the political spectrum.
Following the hearing, Hawley and Moody posted on X to clarify the biological fact.
Hawley wrote, “SPOILER ALERT: Men cannot get pregnant,” later adding, “Can men get pregnant? Not a difficult question.” Moody shared a clip highlighting the same question, asking, “Can men get pregnant?”
The Family Research Council also weighed in, urging the Trump administration to enforce and strengthen FDA safety standards for abortion drugs and calling on the Department of Justice to uphold federal law regarding mifepristone, according to The Blaze.
Moody criticized Democrats, claiming their policies disregard scientific realities and the potential risks of unrestricted abortion access. “
Today’s hearing put that on full display,” she said.
Other witnesses at the hearing included Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill and Dr. Monique Chireau Wubbenhorst.
The session underscored ongoing congressional debates over gender, biological science and abortion policy, signaling that these issues will remain central as lawmakers prepare for the 2026 midterm elections.
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