On April 27, The Hill published an opinion piece entitled “The UK Allows Home Use of the Abortion Pill– the US Should Do the Same” by Susan F. Wood, former FDA assistant commissioner for Women’s Health and a professor of health and policy management at George Washington University, and Cynthia A. Pearson, executive director of the National Women’s Health Network. This story summarizes their piece. Read the full piece here.
- At the end of March, the UK authorized physicians to provide medication abortion through telemedicine through the duration of the coronavirus crisis.
- Abortion is a common, necessary, and time-sensitive health care procedure. Medication abortion is done by ingesting two pills– mifepristone and misoprostol. This method is safe and effective for early pregnancies.
- The US Food and Drug Administration has restrictions on medication abortion that prohibit pharmacies from carrying mifepristone, requiring clinics, medical offices, or hospitals to dispense the medication.
- In light of the pandemic, the FDA “should allow pregnant people to get the pill where they take the pill– at home, and not require them to make an unnecessary and risky visit to a clinic”. They have the legal authority to lift these restrictions.
- There is no time for lawsuits or campaigns. The FDA should follow the UK’s lead– by expanding abortion access, we protect public health.
Source: The Hill 4/27/20
