MEDICINE : The New Pill

This fall, 2,000 volunteers will begin testing the abortion pill in up to a dozen sites around the nation, a critical step in attempts to gain its acceptance in the United States. Abortion rights advocates hope that the pill, known as RU 486, will be a cheaper, safer alternative to the surgical procedure. Opponents contend that the pill is dangerous for women.

Argument For

“RU-486 is a one-two punch. It changes forever the terms of the abortion debate and it dramatically increases abortion access for women. This is a victory not only for women but for health care.

--Eleanor Smeal, The Feminist Majority Foundation

Argument Against

“RU-486 kills an unborn baby who’s heart has started to beat, has killed and injured women, and can deform an unborn baby who survives the abortion attempt.”

--Richard Glasow, National Right to Life.

How RU 486 Works

When a woman in pregnant, her body produces progesterone. Receptors recognize the presence of this hormone, thus preventing the shedding of the uterine lining.

UTERUS

OVARIES

FALLOPIAN TUBE

CERVIX

VAGINA

RU 486 interferes with the body’s receptors . . .

RU 486

EMBRYO

UTERINE LINING

. . . and the body sheds the lining along with the fertilized egg just like normal menstruation.

If the woman does not abort within 48 hours, she is given a second drug, prostaglandin, which induces contractions to expel the remaining contents of the uterus.

UTERINE LINING

HOW RU 486 COMPARES TO SURGERY

RU 486

When it can be done: First seven weeks of pregnancy.

Minimum office visits: Three

Medical requirements: Not recommended for women with heart problems, smokers or those under age 18 or over 35.

Procedure: First visit, is to confirm pregnancy. Second visit, the first pill is given, no waiting required. If the woman has not aborted, a second drug is given and the woman stays at the office for four hours, during which time she usually aborts.

Side effects: Cramping, bleeding, abdominal pain, nausea.

Price: The price of the drug has not been determined. In France, it is the same as first-term surgical abortion.

Who can perform / administer it: All doctors who are licensed to evaluate and preform abortions.

Availability: Pending tests and federal approval.

Standard Surgery

When it can be done: Until end of second trimester; third trimester only to save woman’s life.

Minimum office visits: Two. In states with mandatory 24-hour waiting period, minimum of three.

Medical requirements: Given with local or general anesthesia. Recommended no eating or drinking starting midnight before procedure.

Procedure: Methods vary. In first trimester, fetus is usually removed by suction, followed by scraping of the uterus.

Side effects: Cramping, bleeding, abdominal pain, nausea.

Price: $260-$390 (for first-term abortions)

Who can perform / administer it: Varies state to state, but usually performed by a obstetrician / gynecologist.

Availability: Every state has at least one abortion clinic.

Sources: Planned Parenthood, L.A.; Feminist Majority; Population Council

Researched by D’JAMILA SALEM / Los Angeles Times