The guardians of women's health at Planned Parenthood appear to be a tad reluctant to inform women of the dangers of abortion procedures. For example, scanning the organization's Web sites, I notice it has yet to inform women that the maker of a drug it gives to complete abortions has issued a warning against using the drug for that purpose.
The story came out in Australia, where politicians are debating whether to legalize the abortion drug RU-486. Planned Parenthood doctors prescribe RU-486 in conjunction with another drug called misoprostol, which is normally prescribed for ulcers. From The Australian:
THE maker of a drug used to complete an abortion that has been brought on by the controversial drug RU486 warns that it cannot recommend its use in the termination of pregnancies because of potential risks.Previous Dawn Patrol coverage of Planned Parenthood's promotion of misoprostol for abortions — and the deadly consequences:
The drug, Misoprostol, also known as Cytotec, is used to bring on contractions to expel the fetus after the woman has taken RU486, as if to expel a blood clot. But despite the use of Misoprostol overseas, the manufacturer, Pfizer, says it cannot vouch for its safety for that procedure.
Pfizer warns against the use of the drug on pregnant women, not just because of the danger of miscarriage, but also because of other effects. Clinical tests have been performed only on its use for stomach ulcers.
Anti-abortionists are expected to use the information as part of their campaign, arguing that the drug RU486 poses a health risk.
They want MPs to reject a change in the law that would remove a ministerial veto on RU486, leaving it in the hands ofthe Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Pro-choice campaigners argue the rate of complications from using RU486 is no greater than for surgical abortion.
Misoprostol, available in Australia, brings on uterine contractions to expel what appears as clotted blood, completing the abortion process.
But a spokesman for Pfizer Australia, said the company did not think it should be used after RU486.
"We would not recommend use outside TGA-endorsed indication and at this stage that just involves stomach ulcers," the spokesman said.
"To get any other use of the drug would involve major clinical trials and that can take years."
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists notes in its November statement on the "use of Misoprostol in obstetrics and gynaecology" that "the company which markets an oral formulation of Misoprostol (Cytotec) has not researched and does not support its use in pregnancy, nor does it intend to do so".
The RANZCOG statement also observes that "studies (of Misoprostol in obstetrics and gynaecology) have not been large enough to exclude low risks of serious adverse events".
- "Women's Abortion Deaths Only 'a Local Issue,' Says Planned Parenthood"
- "Planned Parenthood's Latest Victim"
- "Planned Parenthood Tells How to Abort Your Baby At Home —No Prescription Necessary"
To add your name to those willing to help women in need who wish to bring their pregnancies to term, visit Americans on Call.
