It is good that RU-486, or medical abortion, is being introduced into this country after a decade of use overseas.
ALRANZ has been monitoring clinical trials and medical journal articles for the last decade since it was introduced in
Britain and France. Despite claims from anti-abortionists and pseudo- feminist organisations, RU486 is a safe and
effective form of early termination.
Of course, we expect abortion providers to ask women whether they have had cardiovascular problems, as that is an
important contraindication. In that case, surgical abortion may be preferable. However, medical statistics indicate no
upsurge in cardiac complications amongst reproductive age women within Britain and France over the last ten years.
It is good that New Zealand women will have this additional reproductive choice available to them.
Craig Young Research Officer Abortion Law Reform Association of New Zealand 2/353 College St Palmerston North
contact 06 3569099 ext 7750 (weekdays, 8.30am-4.00pm email: lavendarmenace@yahoo.com .com/