Mifeprestone RU-486: The Abortion Pill

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“One woman dies every 7 minutes around the world due to an unsafe illegal abortion” (Abortion Statistics). Laws against abortion do not stop abortion; they just make them less safe. “For over 15 years, medical evidence has indicated that mifepristone is as safe or safer than commonly used medications” (Mifepristone Safety Overview). Mifepristone, also known as “RU-486” or the “abortion pill” is a prescription drug that is used to end a pregnancy that is less than seven weeks along. Mifepristone has been used, in combination with other medications for medical abortions since 1988. Mifepristone is a steroid that works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary to sustain pregnancy. Without this hormone, the lining of the uterus breaks down, the cervix (opening of the uterus or womb) softens and bleeding begins. I think that the RU-486 abortion pill should be encouraged because taking it is a pro-choice decision, the rare health risks and it could help reduce injuries and deaths caused by unsafe illegal abortions. Being pro-choice advocates a womans right to control her own body, especially her right to an induced abortion (The Free Dictionary). Every person has the right to do what they wish to their own bodies. Before taking the pill, the patient must sign a patient agreement; agreeing that they have been informed of all risks, side effects, emergency contact information, instructions, and promising to return for the second and third follow-up visits. Since the patient has read and signed the patient agreement, they’re aware of what they’re doing to themselves. Different women have different reasons as to why they want an abortion. Having an abortion, either the medical or surgical way, a woman has the rights to do ... ... middle of paper ... ...ncy. Works Cited "Abortion Pill." Brooklyn New York Abortion Clinic The Woman's Choice. The Woman's Choice, 9 Oct. 2012. Web. 18 Mar. 2013. Carr, Jessica. "Project 6 - Blog Roll." Project 6. Abortion Inhumane, 19 Apr. 2012. Web. 19 Mar. 2013. Cullins, Dr. "The Abortion Pill (Medication Abortion)." Abortion Pill. Planned Parenthood, 20 Feb. 2011. Web. 18 Mar. 2013. Kennedy, Florence. "MIT Pro-Choice -- Reasons." MIT Pro-Choice -- Reasons. MIT Pro-Choice, 19 Apr. 2007. Web. 19 Mar. 2013. Guttmacher, Alan. "Mifepristone s Safety Is Well-Established." Clinical Fact Sheets: Mifepristone Safety Overview. Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, Apr. 2008. Web. 18 Mar. 2013. Pendergraft, Dr. "Abortion Statistics, Facts About Abortion In The US." Abortion Statistics, Facts About Abortion In The US. Orlando Women's Center, 25 Jan. 2013. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.

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