The abortion debate in America has sharply shifted to over-the-counter abortion pills. Since 2000, the FDA has approved the drug mifepristone—as the first step in a two-drug process for aborting early pregnancies, mostly at home.
The BBC reported, “Currently, the FDA says it is safe as part of a two-drug regimen to have an abortion at home, up until 10 weeks of pregnancy. The World Health Organization also says it is safe as part of a two-drug procedure, up to 12 weeks. Leading health organisations and physicians’ associations have filed briefs in the lawsuit, including the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which say the drug is effective and safe.
The FDA has reported a total of 26 deaths associated with mifepristone since it was approved – a rate of about 0.65 deaths per 100,000 by-pill abortions. For comparison, the death rate associated with habitual aspirin use is about 15.3 deaths per 100,000 aspirin users.
Now all eyes are on Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump-appointee. If he decides the FDA erred in its approval, it could affect the drug’s status nationwide, and millions of women…”
In a recent poll of 600+ global Sermo physicians, 70% said abortion pills are safe and should be legal; and 70% also said their patients support the use of abortion pills. 32% of physicians have prescribed or recommended abortion pills to their patients.
70% of doctors are concerned that if mifepristone is removed from the market, it will have a dangerous impact on women’s health.
Here is more of what Sermo physicians have to say on this topic—their medical perspectives and opinions—in their own words:
“Medical abortion has been studied for years and is used by many countries in public health services. One of the great advantages of the combined regimen is that by combining both drugs, expulsion occurs faster. According to international clinical studies, 94% of people expelled the product 24 hours after starting the procedure and 97% after 48 hours. In contrast, with misoprostol alone, evacuation usually begins after 48 hours. Using mifepristone and misoprostol, complications are practically non-existent, they do not exceed 3% and it does not affect the week of gestation in which it is found. As a health professional I would recommend it to my patients, always taking a good anamnesis, clinical history and explaining the adverse effects and possible complications.”
G.P., Peru
“Before when Abortion was not legal in the USA only the poor were effected. The rich traveled to other places to get their needs met. The poor cannot afford more children and the rich don’t want to increase welfare…”
Psychiatry, U.S.
“I have grave concerns for the well-being of women in America with the current SCOTUS decisions.”
OBGYN, U.S.
“We do not have the power to decide who can or cannot live, our job as doctors is to preserve life, at all times.”
Family Medicine, Venezuela
“Abortion with tablets is much safer and less invasive for patients, it has very few contraindications, and I think it should not be withdrawn from the market.”
G.P., U.K.
“Pregnancy is more dangerous with more deaths than medical abortions. Health care should not b a political issue. Having unwanted children is dangerous to well being of kids mentally, socially, physically & financially.”
Endocrinology, U.S.
“Elderly male privileged judges, do not know what it is like to stand in a pregnant mother’s shoes. It is not up to them to determine health measures for these women, some of whom are unable to stand up and speak for themselves, unable to fight back against society’s injustices against them. For women to be seen just as incubators of a man’s child is inhumane, and treats women no better than animals in drug labs.”
Obstetrics & Gynecology, Australia
“This decision constitutes a blow to women, regarding the right to choose to be mothers or not. The use of abortion pills is a less risky and effective way to terminate an unwanted pregnancy, preserving the life of the woman and minimizing the risks in these procedures is a goal to be met by the FDA. Despite the years, this issue continues to be very controversial, especially for the most conservative, in which men and politicians believe they have the right to restrict and decide for women. We have the right to choose what is best for us and for our body, the safe way will always be the best option, preventing women from undergoing illegal procedures that endanger their lives is our responsibility as doctors, that is why we must give them safe and effective options, leaving them to choose the path to follow.”
Allergy & Immunology, Cuba
“ENOUGH of the involvement of congressman in my exam room!! GET OUT NOW!! I won’t tell you how to create legislation, and YOU don’t tell me how to practice medicine.”
Emergency Medicine, U.S.
“Here in Mexico there is a special clinic that handles abortion medications, so patients really do not have or should not have access to them, it is a medication that must be used under medical supervision due to the effects it can generate.”
G.P., Mexico
“In my practice I have not prescribed the medication, it has a series of contraindications that it is important to know. Also, in many countries abortion is not legal.”
G.P., Cuba
“Excellent article to reflect on, I think that this pill should be controlled for use only in hospitals or in maternity hospitals to avoid complications that may arise from abortion. Thank you.”
Family Medicine, Cuba
“I think that the abortion pill is a vital part of healthcare for women. I think that it is important to give women a safe and effective option for ending an unexpected pregnancy – so that they are not forced to carry a pregnancy to term if they are not ready or financially equipped to be a parent. I think that the abortion pill is a good way to prevent unwanted pregnancies – and to give women a choice about whether or not they want to have a child.”
G.P., Turkey
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