Ru 486 Misconceptions Myths and Morals - ressourcesfeministes

RU 486mechanism of this RU 486 effect questions its adverse effectsstemming from its potential progesterone-like qualities.It has been specifically suggested that RU 486 does notterminate ectopic pregnancies (e.g. by Etienne Baulieu onRadio New Zealand, Nov. 1990 and Levin et al., 1990). Thequestion must be asked could it perhaps cause them because ofits progesterone-like properties? Progestagen-onlycontraceptive pills (‘mini-pills’) are known to cause an increasedproportion of ectopic pregnancies (Kleinman, 1990:60 and64), due to their effect on the endometrium and ovarianfunction. Alternatively, RU 486 damage to fertilized eggs notyet implanted might cause ectopic pregnancies. Further,complete suppression of ovarian function and the appearanceof ovarian cysts have been reported after progestagen-onlypill use. 8 Promoters of chemical abortion assure us that itssingle administration cannot lead to the same problems thatwomen have experienced with long-term contraceptives.However, this assumption is far from uncontested:reproductive functions may be irreversibly damaged, orirretrievably altered, by one single hormonal upheaval.Cardiovascular risk is a further concern linked to thedemonstrated progesterone-like nature of RU 486. The FrenchDrug Evaluation Committee demanded that Roussel Uclafissue stricter guidelines for RU 486/PG administration due torecently documented cardiovascular accidents. Numerousstudies have demonstrated that the progestin component inoral contraceptives deregulates lipid metabolism (Kafrissen,1990). This in turn increases atherosclerotic risk andcardiovascular disease (strokes, myocardial infarctions). 9Further research into the effects of progesterone receptorblockade by RU 486 revealed degenerative vascular changes(e.g. a significant increase in small blood vessel width) whichmay explain the cases of heavy vaginal bleeding after RU 486administration (Li et al., 1988:738). The promoters of RU486 abortion do not acknowledge these potential dangers towomen’s health and lives, nor the even more widely recognized66