Health Canada has approved the drug RU-486, more commonly known as the abortion pill. A doctor will administer the dosage of mifepristone to block the progesterone needed for pregnancy, then two days later will administer another dosage of misoprostol to induce contractions in order to expel the fetus.
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“I think its another dark day for Canada with the approval of that risky human pesticide”, commented Campaign Life Coalition (CLC) President Jim Hughes.
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No one can claim that they fast-tracked the approval process and didn’t very thoroughly and completely review the application.”
Italy: The drug’s 2009 approval in Italy drudged up religious discussion, especially after The Vatican warned it would excommunicate doctors who prescribe it. Though the Catholic Church has long fought abortion and contraception, the country allows Italians to take the morning-after pill and receive surgical abortions in hospitals. The United States and Russian Federation both approved the drug in 2000.
RU-486’s brand name will be Mifegysimo and will actually be two medications – 0.2 mg of misoprostol and 200 mg of mifepristone.
The abortifacient has been available for 25 years in France, where the drug was invented.
Pharmacists in Waterloo Region could be handing out abortion drug RU-486 as early as next year according to Linepharma worldwide Limited, the company that manufactures the pill. “Afterwards it prompts the uterus to contract and release the tissues related to the pregnancy, so essentially its like having a miscarriage”.
“Mifepristone holds the promise of improving access to abortion care for women in more rural communities where there isn’t a current abortion provider”, she said. And for some women, taking a drug at home may be the better choice than surgery.
Doctors across the country already combine misoprosto and a chemotherapy medication called methotrexate to create abortions, a well-known option less safe and effective than RU-486.
As well, the drug’s relatively low price will benefit new immigrants and refugees to Canada still waiting for medical coverage, Adhami said.
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Saporta said it is likely the drug will only become available in Canada in early 2016.
