Anti-Abortion Lawyer Pushed Out of F.D.A. After Republican Senator's Pressure Campaign
Briefly

Hilary Perkins, a government lawyer since 2019, faced pressure and subsequently resigned after becoming chief counsel of the FDA. Her departure came amid a campaign led by Senator Josh Hawley, focused on her support for pro-abortion rules under President Biden. Despite her conservative background, Perkins defended policies that aligned with her professional duties rather than political affiliations. Her resignation reflects broader issues within the Justice Department concerning the treatment and retention of civil servant attorneys during politically charged legal battles, sparking concern among her peers about the implications for the legal system.
Hilary Perkins highlights her commitment to her role, stating, 'I followed my oath as a Department of Justice career attorney.' Her resignation signals a troubling trend in government attorney purges.
Senator Hawley's pressure campaign disrupted Perkins' career, raising concerns among legal professionals: 'Her ouster... is a troubling indication of how the ejections of government attorneys... is weakening the department.'
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