Mifeprex legislation

OB/GYN News, Dec 15, 2003 by Mary Ellen Schneider

Some members of Congress have introduced legislation that could remove the abortifacient mifepristone (Mifeprex) from the market. The RU-486 Suspension and Review Act of 2003, sponsored by Reps. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) and Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md.) would remove the drug from the market, and charge the General Accounting Office with reviewing the Food and Drug Administration's approval of mifepristone.

If the review shows the drug was approved in accordance with FDA regulations, it would be reinstated, the legislation says. The legislation follows the death of 18-year-old Holly Patterson who died after taking the drug for a medical abortion. Planned Parenthood Federation of America calls the legislation "politically motivated."