RU-486 sold over 4,000 times in Canada in 2017
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): Medium (Personal)
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2018/05/05
CBC News reported on the number of abortion pills prescribed by doctors in Canada.
The number was about 4,000 for Mifegymiso. This is the first year that the drug was available. in Canada. Health Canada stated that the 4,253 new prescriptions — estimated number — were dispensed by Canadian retail pharmacies.
Mifegymiso or RU-486 is an admixture of two drugs. These, together or alone, terminate early pregnancies. It was approved for Canadian use in 2015.
Health Canada placed restrictions on the use of the drug with particular requirements. Restrictions on pregnancies less than seven weeks. Doctors who prescribe must have a training course.
The restrictions were lifted in November 2017. Ginette Petitpas Taylor, the Canadian Federal Health Minister, sought to ease restrictions. Because the demand was higher.
Taylor explained, “Our government has been very clear when it comes to reproductive health rights for women. We want to make sure all options are available for women. We can see that there’s certainly a need when we look at the numbers.”
Many groups that argue for the increased access of RU-486 approve of the ease on the restrictions.
Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights Director of Health Promotion Frederique Chabot said, “When I think of women, for example, in Nunavik in Quebec who have to travel to Montreal to seek care — that’s a plane ride and days away from your family, days away from your community and work. So we have a chance now to address some access issues.”
Chabot noted the problem with the expenses. It can be between CAD400 and CAD450 per dose. British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia have some healthcare coverage.
Women in other areas need private drug plans or need to pay from their own pockets. It is an expensive abortifacient. If a woman has access, then she can afford it; if she can’t afford it, then she doesn’t have financial access.
Chabot stated, “Our government has been clear about that and that’s why we’ve moved forward in making sure this medication is available to women.”
Viersen did not respond to requests for an interview about Health Canada’s response to his question.
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