Lawmakers Propose Higher Standards for Abortion Pill

Abortion foes in Congress introduced bills Wednesday to tighten standards for doctors administering the newly approved abortion pill RU-486.

Rep. Tom A. Coburn (R-Okla.), joined by Sen. Tim Hutchinson (R-Ark.), said the legislation is needed because the Food and Drug Administration, in setting rules for prescribing the drug, had “caved in” to abortion rights groups seeking easier access to abortion. “Congress now has the unenviable task of correcting the FDA’s mistake.”

Kate Michelman, president of the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League, said the legislation would impose restrictions that would “in effect negate the ability of doctors to prescribe this option for women.”

Coburn said he hopes to get the bill to the House floor in the final days of this session. Hutchinson was less ambitious, saying he wants to have a hearing this year and pursue the issue next year.

The FDA approved RU-486 on Sept. 28, ending a 12-year debate in this country. It gives American women a pharmaceutical abortion method already in wide use in France, Britain, China and 10 other countries.

President Clinton praised the decision as “one of science and medicine,” but abortion opponents said it will encourage more women to end their pregnancies.

The FDA said that to prescribe the drug, doctors must be able to pinpoint the date of conception, rule out women with ectopic or tubal pregnancy, and be prepared to take surgical steps to complete the abortion or stop the bleeding in case of problems.