Missouri Right to Life Press Release on the Court Decision of House Bill 1055

For Immediate Release: August 28, 2007

"Missouri Right to Life is disappointed that the U. S. District Court entered a preliminary injunction against enforcement of HB 1055 as it applies to abortion clinics in Columbia and Kansas City operated by Planned Parenthood," said Pam Fichter, President of Missouri Right to Life."  Although the Kansas City abortion clinic claims to induce abortions only through drugs, the drugs are dangerous.  They often require surgical intervention because of incomplete abortions, severe bleeding, and other adverse consequences."

The record shows that the FDA approved the abortion drug, mifepristone, only under the following condition, "Mifepristone must be provided by or under the supervision of a physician who meets the following qualification:  . . . Ability to provide surgical intervention in cases of incomplete abortion or severe bleeding, or have made plans to provide such care through other qualified physicians, and are able to assure patient access to medical facilities equipped to provide blood transfusions and resuscitation, if necessary."  (Memorandum, Dept. of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, to "NDA 20-687 MIFEPREX (mifepristone) Population Council," September 28, 2000, p. 6.) (copies available from Missouri Right to Life).

The FDA found that during the U. S. clinical trials of the abortion drug, "Surgical intervention was required in 7.9% of subjects: 1.6% had medically indicated interventions (1.2% for heavy bleeding), 4.7% had incomplete abortions, 1.0% had ongoing pregnancies, and 0.6% had intervention at the patient's request."  (Id., p. 1.)  "The FDA's findings reflect that approximately one in 12 women need surgical care, sometimes on an emergency basis, after taking the abortion drugs," Ms. Fichter pointed out.

The New York Times reported in November, 2005 that mifepristone administered vaginally—in a manner that the FDA has not approved—had been responsible for the deaths of four American women in two years, and a Canadian woman in 2001.  (G. Harris, "Deaths After Abortion Pill to be Studied by Officials," New York Times, Nov. 23, 2005.)

"The FDA requires abortionists to have surgical facilities available for their patients who take mifepristone.  In view of the dangers, it is certainly reasonable for the Missouri Legislature to make these abortionists comply with Missouri's surgical center regulations," said Fichter. 

“Abortion is dangerous whether from a pill or a surgical procedure.  Our legislators passed HB 1055 to make sure women get the best health care possible and that every clinic in this state is held to the highest standard.  We hope the courts will hold abortion clinics to the same standards of medical care that are required of other clinics,” said Fichter.