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Planned Parenthood to test drug-induced abortions
In this story: Two-stage procedure Available here September 12, 1996
Web posted at: 5:00 p.m. EDT(CNN) -- In what it calls a new era of choice, Planned Parenthood will offer drug-induced abortions later this month at 17 of its clinics and hopes to convince the federal government the method is a safe way to end pregnancies without surgery.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a Planned Parenthood study of an abortion procedure requiring the separate use of two drugs -- methotrexate and misoprostol. Possible side effects include vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.
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Anti-abortion activists condemned the procedure. "Methotrexate may cause serious complications for the mother and stops the beating heart of her unborn child," said Olivia Gans, director of a National Right to Life Committee unit called American Victims of Abortion.
Methotrexate and misoprostol have long been approved by the FDA for purposes other than abortion. Methotrexate is used to treat cancer, arthritis and psoriasis. Misoprostol is an ulcer medicine.
Two-stage procedure
Under the procedure, a woman who is no more than seven weeks pregnant receives an injection of methotrexate, which interferes with cell division and stops development of the placenta and embryo.
Four to seven days later, misoprostol tablets are inserted into her vagina, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the fetus. For many women, the tablets take two weeks or longer to work.
"If, as we hope, the study shows that these medications are safe and effective for early abortion, we will make a special request of the FDA," said Gloria Feldt, president of Planned Parenthood.
Dr. Richard Hausknecht, an obstetrician who has prescribed the combination to 1,000 patients, said he's had a 97 percent success rate. He said 4,000 women have been treated nationwide with "no significant side effects."
Available here
Initially, 17 of Planned Parenthood's 150 affiliates will participate in the study:
Locations where Planned Parenthood affiliates will participate in the study:
- Baltimore
- Boston-Cambridge
- Burlington, Vermont
- Concord, California
- Denver
- Des Moines
- Houston
- Long Island, New York
- Minnesota
- Nashville
- New York City
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Plattsburgh, New York
- San Diego
- Seattle
- Wisconsin
As many as 45 affiliates may sign on by early next year, officials said.
The FDA is also considering whether to approve another abortion drug already in use in Europe under the name RU-486.
Correspondent Norma Quarles and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- FDA panel recommends abortion pill for approval - July 19, 1996
- FDA panel to weigh fate of abortion pill - July 18, 1996
- FDA panel endorses 'morning after' pill - June 29, 1996
Related sites:
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- Planned Parenthood
- Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- The Population Council
- The American Life League
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