Health Canada Approves Abortion Pill RU

After legalization in the United States, the UK and 55 other countries, abortion pill RU-486 has finally been given the stamp of approval by Canadian health officials.

A doctor’s prescription will be required for women to obtain the drug, which is normally effective up to 70 days into a pregnancy.

Health Canada announced late Wednesday that the drug would be available for use in Canada, 2 ½ years after the drug’s manufacturer submitted an application to the national regulator.

RU-486 has been available for 25 years in France, where the drug was invented.

According to the commentary, availability to mifepristone can improve access to abortion and improve the capacity of the health care system to provide medical abortions earlier, when they are safest.

The best way to help women with unplanned pregnancies is to make sure they have access to and information about a wide array of options, that they are supported and respected in their choices, and that good health care and counselling are available, no matter where the woman lives in Canada.

Heavy bleeding, nausea, vomiting, and painful uterine contractions are common side-effects of the two-drug combo, which requires three trips to the doctor’s office over a two week period.

While some countries allow the drug to be dispensed by pharmacists, Health Canada has opted not to go that route.

“It’s out of my hands and the decision is final”, she said. Called Mifegyne in the U.S., the pill can be bought online through various illegitimate websites, especially for use in countries where abortion is now illegal or social unacceptable. It is a risky combination of drugs that destroys a woman’s tissues in the womb in order to kill her preborn child.

It is included in the World Health Organization’s Model List of Essential Medicines.

Timing: can be taken up to 72 hours after sex.