2014.01 ACCESS TO MIFEPRISTONE (RU486): FOR USE IN MEDICAL ABORTIONS
Whereas 1
in 2009, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada released a policy statement in support of “the approval and availability of Mifepristone and other anti-progestins…for appropriate research and clinical use in Canada”; and
Whereas 2
the medical abortion pill Methotrexate, which is available in Canada, can be used only within the first seven weeks of pregnancy, while Mifepristone can be used up to the ninth week of pregnancy, and has demonstrated greater efficacy compared to methotrexate; and
Whereas 3
Mifepristone was introduced in France in 1988, in Britain in 1991, in the US in 2000 and is available in 57 countries and has not been made available for use in Canada; therefore be it
Resolved 1
that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy availability of, and access to, the use of Mifepristone (RU486) by women requiring a medical abortion of early-term pregnancy; and be it further
Resolved 2
that the National Council of Women of Canada encourage Health Canada to approve Mifepristone (RU486) if an application for a New Drug Submission is received; and be it further
Resolved 3
upon federal approval of Mifepristone, that the National Council of Women of Canada urge Provincial Councils of Women to advocate that their governments include Mifepristone (RU486) in the formulary for provincial health care.