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A drug colloquially termed the “abortion pill” will now be available in Canada, 15 years after it was approved for use in the States.
Authorized late Wednesday evening, a combination drug product of mifepristone and misoprostol can now be used in Canada for the termination of a developing pregnancy up to a gestational period of 49 days.
After reviewing this drug for over the last five years, pharmacology evidence found that it safely and efficiently induces contractions that will lead to the termination of a pregnancy.
The drug works by essentially blocking progesterone effects on the endometrium and myometrium, allowing the cervix to dilate.
“The approval of mifepristone is great news for women in Canada. Mifepristone has been safely and effectively used by millions of women worldwide to terminate an early pregnancy since 1988, and is available in 60 other countries. It’s long overdue that Canadian women also have access to the gold standard for medical abortion care,” commented Vicki Saporta, President and CEO of the National Abortion Federation (NAF) and NAF Canada.
Mifepristone, or RU 486, was approved in the United States back in 2000. Nearly two decades ago, the drug was made available for women in France.
NAF was a front-runner in terms of bringing the application for mifepristone forward. The national organization cares for more than 80 per cent of women who choose abortion care in Canada each year.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Physicians of Canada questions whether or not additional access to abortion in Canada is what women need.
“Is this drug addressing the right problem?," questioned Dr. Laura Lewis, an Ontario family physician and a Canadian Physicians for Life Board member. “In this nation we treat abortion as a solution to unplanned pregnancy. But women don’t necessarily need more abortion access. What many do need, and have difficulty accessing, are practical supports, community resources and compassionate care. Our response as a country should address women’s deepest concerns. In these cases it is often fear and worry, not simply offering them more abortion access.”
Mifepristone is expected to be available in early 2016. Women will require a prescription from a medical professional to obtain the drug.
For more information on the drug, click here.
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