Mifepristone (RU-486®) as a Schedule IV Controlled Drug-Implications for a Misleading Drug Policy on Women's Health Care.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
; 19(14)2022 07 08.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2231076
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Mifepristone (RU-486) has been approved for abortion in Taiwan since 2000. Mifepristone was the first non-addictive medicine to be classified as a schedule IV controlled drug. As a case of the "misuse" of "misuse of drugs laws," the policy and consequences of mifepristone-assisted abortion for pregnant women could be compared with those of illicit drug use for drug addicts.METHODS:
The rule-making process of mifepristone regulation was analyzed from various aspects of legitimacy, social stigma, women's human rights, and access to health care. RESULTS ANDDISCUSSION:
The restriction policy on mifepristone regulation in Taiwan has raised concerns over the legitimacy of listing a non-addictive substance as a controlled drug, which may produce stigma and negatively affect women's reproductive and privacy rights. Such a restriction policy and social stigma may lead to the unwillingness of pregnant women to utilize safe abortion services. Under the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US FDA's action on mifepristone prescription and dispensing reminds us it is time to consider a change of policy.CONCLUSIONS:
Listing mifepristone as a controlled drug could impede the acceptability and accessibility of safe mifepristone use and violates women's right to health care.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Public Policy
/
Mifepristone
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
/
Pregnancy
Language:
English
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Ijerph19148363
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