RU-486

A detailed Summary of RU-486

RU-486 is the recently approved abortion pill. It affords women an opportunity to have a non-surgical abortion within the first seven weeks of pregnancy. The guidelines require for the woman to have multiple doctor visits, as well as counseling - so this is a bit different then the morning after pill. Controversy surrounds RU-486 on many levels. Firstly, there are the possible side effects as well as the slight failure rate (from which a woman would still need to have a surgical abortion). Also, the availability, and the attempts to control it, is another issue. Finally, the political sparks created, as well as the Republican effort to limit the pill is another issue. On the whole, since RU-486 was approved in late September, the number of debates surrounding it has multiplied. Of course, the major issue is not whether a woman can or cannot have an abortion, but whether non-surgical abortion is a viable option for a woman.

One side of the coin feels that a woman should under no circumstances have an abortion. During the days of surgical abortions, this could be a more valid argument, given the extensiveness of the surgery - as well as the under minded ways of having a surgical abortion (i.e. the horrible coat hanger stories). T

Personally, I feel as though a woman should in fact be able to take RU-486 under a doctor's supervision. The benefits of having a non-surgical abortion outweigh the risks associated with a surgical abortion. Granted, I am not saying a woman should take black market RU-486, which could be potentially fatal, but it will become available in that way as well. Under a doctor's care, this is the safest alternative for a woman, and I feel as though it should be supported.

Once John Ashcroft was confirmed as Attorney General, there were some fears amongst those in favor of RU-486. "Lawmakers say that in the coming months they will seek to impose incremental restrictions on abortion while averting a direct confrontation over women's constitutional rights to obtain the procedure ." Having politics involved in an already approved FDA drug is very detrimental to a woman's concern for herself and her ability to raise a child. There is talk in Washington D.C. to impose penalties on those who harm a fetus, as well as the possibility of overturning Roe v. Wade. I know, as a woman in today's society, I like the safety of knowing that I can do as I feel with my body, and make the educated decisions that I want. Politicians are not making it easy for a woman to feel comfortable making these decisions, which is far from fair given it is 2001.

The other side of the coin is those people - politicians, medical practitioners, activists - who see RU-486 as a benefit to women. "Nearly nine in ten women who live outside of major metropolitan areas have no close access to abortion services, and the availability of mifepristone [RU-486] will change that ." Having an option alter

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Category: Miscellaneous