Trump's nominee for Surgeon General Casey Means faced intense questioning from Sen. Patty Murray over past statements criticizing contraception as "disrespectful to life" and claiming hormonal birth control has "horrifying health risks." During a Senate confirmation hearing, Means defended her remarks, insisting they were taken out of context and emphasizing the need for informed consent between doctors and patients.

Murray challenged Means on her history of disparaging birth control, citing specific quotes where Means compared contraceptive use to "using candy" and claimed FDA-approved methods have severe health risks. The Washington Democrat noted that 18 FDA-approved contraceptive methods have decades of evidence supporting their safety and effectiveness. Murray pressed Means to clarify whether women should trust the FDA's rigorous approval process or Means' controversial statements.

Means maintained her position that while contraceptives should remain accessible, doctors need more time for thorough informed consent conversations. She cited specific risks like blood clots and stroke for certain women with particular medical histories. The exchange highlighted the contentious debate over contraceptive safety and accessibility, with Means advocating for personalized medical discussions rather than blanket prescriptions. The confrontation underscores the political tensions surrounding reproductive health policy and the scrutiny facing Trump's controversial nominees.