The abortion drug mifepristone – now being challenged in the U.S. due to safety concerns – is part of the MS-2 Step medication that would be widely distributed in Queensland through the tele-health abortion service that the Palaszczuk government wants to quietly rush through.
Rob Norman, Queensland Political Director for the Australian Christian Lobby said,
“This abortion drug is known to cause serious adverse events. Up to 6% of women who take it will require an emergency surgical abortion. Women are told to stay within 2-hours’ drive of 24-hour emergency medical care for up to four days – but that is unrealistic for many women in rural Queensland.
“Tele-health abortion would allow a dangerous poison to be issued over the phone. With no in-person evaluation by a doctor, there’s an increased risk of undetected ectopic pregnancies or a misdiagnosis of gestational age, which can be fatal. To consider tele-abortion in Queensland is altogether negligent and irresponsible.”
A Texas judge recently banned mifepristone due to safety concerns. However, a U.S. federal appeals court last week reduced access to mifepristone, required an in-person visit with a doctor, and blocked the drug from being dispensed by mail. Litigation is continuing.
ACL calls on the Queensland Government to abandon any concept of tele-health abortion because it is not safe for women.
ENDS
