Doctor says Colombian coverage of abortion drug harms women

Bogotá, Colombia, Jan 31, 2013 / 16:02 pm

An official leading the Colombian bishops' pro-life efforts expressed regret over a recent decision to continue covering a drug used to induce early abortions in the nation's health care plan.

On Jan. 23, the Colombian press reported on the decision by government officials to continue providing coverage for the drug, Misoprostol. Leaders of the Catholic Church and other religious bodies have criticized the decision.

Dr. Danelia Cardona Lozada, director of the Colombian Bishops' Department for the Promotion and Defense of Life, voiced disappointment over the move, arguing that it is part of efforts by the World Health Organization and other groups to promote abortion in Colombia.

According to a statement on the Colombian bishops' website, Lozada warned that with this measure, "the institutions that legislate and should be seeking the common good in our country 'are failing women.'"

The response of the Church and other pro-life institutions to this abortion culture must be a continued promotion of the right to life, she said, as well as compassionate care for one's neighbor, in this case, pregnant women.

The drug Misoprostol, "in addition to causing psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress, also has biological and physical consequences such as hemorrhaging and infections," said Lozada.

"The termination of a pregnancy at a later gestational age can cause a high risk for rupture of the uterus and other serious complications," she added.

Senator Claudia Wilches also criticized the government's decision as irresponsible, warning that it is a further step towards the full legalization of abortion. 

"This is what some groups want," she said, "but my concern is whether this is what Colombians want."