Restrictions on a new abortion pill that will hit the Canadian market in July could hurt women, a UBC expert told CBC Radio’s On The Coast.
According to Health Canada, women must get an ultrasound before they take the pill, known as Mifegymiso or RU-486. Only doctors who have taken an online course on the medication can prescribe and dispense it, and they can also insist on witnessing women taking the first dose. But Wendy Norman, UBC’s chair in family planning public health research, says the requirements are “demeaning.” Insisting on having doctors prescribe the drug could also limit access in rural areas.
