FDA expands use of RU-486 abortion pill

April 06, 2016

The US Food and Drug Administration has announced that the RU-486 abortion pill may now be used in the first ten weeks following the mother’s last period.

The FDA, which approved the use of RU-486 (also known as Mifeprex and Mifepristone) in 2000, previously permitted its use in the first seven weeks. RU-486 now accounts for over 22% of abortions in the US.

“The FDA has irresponsibly loosened its guidelines for the dangerous abortion drug RU-486, expanding its use an additional three weeks into pregnancy, and allowing provision by non-physicians,” said Cardinal Timothy Dolan, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

“The unofficial, off-label use of RU-486 is now the new normal, paving the way for the destruction of even more innocent lives, and putting women and girls at risk for all the life-changing effects of abortion,” he added. “Far from wanting abortion to be 'rare', abortion advocates are celebrating this expanded use as opening an ever-widening door to abortion.”

 

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Further information:

• Questions and Answers on Mifeprex (FDA)
• FDA Allows RU-486 Abortions To Expand (The Federalist)
• RU 486 Abortion Pill Marks 15th Anniversary in the US, Kills 22% of Unborn Babies Every Year (LifeNews.com)
• Cardinal Dolan Calls New FDA Abortion Drug Guidelines 'Irresponsible,' Offers Assistance To Pregnant Women (USCCB)