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An award-winning classic for health activists and feminists, this book explores the complex history of the French abortion pill, RU 486 (mifepristone). The authors examine the science and politics surrounding its development and use. They question whether RU 486 is a miracle drug for abortion, a safe alternative to conventional procedures, and a victory for women's rights. Concerns are raised about its safety in developing countries and rural areas, as well as its impact on existing abortion services. The authors argue that the positive claims surrounding RU 486 are based on myths and misconceptions, highlighting that RU 486 alone is ineffective and requires the addition of a prostaglandin, which is dangerous. The success rates for the RU 486/prostaglandin combination are 92 to 95 percent, compared to 98 to 99 percent for suction abortions, which are quicker and involve no harmful drugs. In contrast, RU 486/PG abortions can last days or weeks, leading to severe complications such as heavy bleeding, infection, and even death. The authors contend that RU 486/PG abortions primarily benefit the medical profession, pharmaceutical companies, and government health systems. Through thorough research, they reveal that chemical abortion is flawed and unethical, warning that low-tech abortion services face threats as RU 486 is inaccurately promoted as 'safe and effective.'
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RU 486, Renate Klein
- Language
- Released
- 2013
- Binding
- (Paperback)
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- Title
- RU 486
- Subtitle
- Misconceptions, Myths and Morals
- Language
- English
- Authors
- Renate Klein
- Publisher
- Spinifex Press
- Released
- 2013
- Format
- Paperback
- Pages
- 250
- ISBN10
- 1742198406
- ISBN13
- 9781742198408
- Series
- Description
- An award-winning classic for health activists and feminists, this book explores the complex history of the French abortion pill, RU 486 (mifepristone). The authors examine the science and politics surrounding its development and use. They question whether RU 486 is a miracle drug for abortion, a safe alternative to conventional procedures, and a victory for women's rights. Concerns are raised about its safety in developing countries and rural areas, as well as its impact on existing abortion services. The authors argue that the positive claims surrounding RU 486 are based on myths and misconceptions, highlighting that RU 486 alone is ineffective and requires the addition of a prostaglandin, which is dangerous. The success rates for the RU 486/prostaglandin combination are 92 to 95 percent, compared to 98 to 99 percent for suction abortions, which are quicker and involve no harmful drugs. In contrast, RU 486/PG abortions can last days or weeks, leading to severe complications such as heavy bleeding, infection, and even death. The authors contend that RU 486/PG abortions primarily benefit the medical profession, pharmaceutical companies, and government health systems. Through thorough research, they reveal that chemical abortion is flawed and unethical, warning that low-tech abortion services face threats as RU 486 is inaccurately promoted as 'safe and effective.'