Catholic doctors urge continued ban on abortion drug

Sydney, Australia, Nov 16, 2005 / 22:00 pm

Australian Catholic doctors are backing a number of MPs in their efforts to maintain a ban of the abortion drug Mifepristone (RU486), which is being dubbed "human pesticide."  

The doctors are warning of the health risks, such as haemorrhaging—and the added dangers this poses for women living in rural areas without easy hospital access, reported the Catholic Weekly.

They also oppose the drug on the grounds that it is an abortifacient. Dr. Brigid Vout, executive officer for the archdiocesan Life Office, is concerned about the drug’s health risks, despite Australian Medical Association endorsement of it as "safe and effective.” She also opposes it on moral grounds, saying that no child should be aborted.  

Dr. David van Gend disagrees that the drug provides equal access for safe abortions. "There's nothing equitable about putting country women in a situation far more dangerous than their city counterparts (if something goes wrong)," said the spokesperson for the Queensland chapter of the World Federation of Doctors who Respect Human Life.  

Health Minister Tony Abbott said he refuses to give the drug the green light due to advice that the drug poses too many health risks, reported the Sydney Morning Herald. However, there is mounting pressure on the Prime Minister to allow a conscience vote on the issue.