The White House on Friday defended the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of a second generic version of the abortion drug mifepristone, but said it shouldn't be interpreted as an endorsement of the drug.

The decision, made quietly before the government shutdown, means there are now three companies in the U.S. making mifepristone. It has drawn sharp condemnation from conservative lawmakers and anti-abortion advocates, who have been pressing the Trump administration to curtail access.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said FDA was legally required to approve the drug.

“It’s not an endorsement of this drug by any means. They are just simply following the law,” Leavitt told reporters. “By law, the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services must approve a generic dru

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