[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 6, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN SUPPORT OF MIFEPRISTONE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 6, 2001

  Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a pro-choice member of 
Congress who supports the recent FDA approved use of mifepristone, and 
I strongly oppose any efforts that would undermine the availability of 
mifepristone, also known as RU-486, to women who are seeking a safe 
method to terminate a pregnancy.
  I recognize that there is misinformation out there on the use and 
access of this drug. But, the truth is mifepristone pills must be 
prescribed by a doctor, and the treatment is done under strict 
supervision of a medical professional. The first dose is taken at the 
doctor's office, and the second dose is taken 48 hours later. There are 
some doctors that allow women to take the second dose at home, but 
others require a clinic visit. It is also important to note that a 
woman can only take mifepristone up to 49 or 63 days from the date of 
her last menstrual period. This restriction is well within the laws of 
aborting a fetus in the first trimester.
  Mifepristone has been laboriously studied and tested by FDA for 8 
years. Nearly 10,000 American women have used this drug safely and 
effectively in clinical trials. Furthermore, Europeans have been using 
this drug for over 12 years.
  Women in this country should have a choice to make decisions about 
their own fate. Abortion is legal, and women should be entitled to all 
medically proven safe options available, including mifepristone. 
Furthermore, I believe that women should be able to choose a less 
invasive procedure such as mifepristone rather than a surgical 
abortion.
  Attempts to restrict a woman's access to this drug are not done to 
protect her safety, but rather to influence her choice. By allowing 
mifepristone to be prescribed by her own doctor, a woman can preserve 
her anonymity and be comfortable with her choice.
  I have advocated for the approval of RU-486 for several years, in my 
past and current position. I truly believe that all women should have 
the right to make their own choices, and I hope that they will not be 
denied any safe and proven methods to make those decisions.

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