Safety Complaints Lead FDA To Review Only Approved Nonsurgical Permanent Birth Control Option
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Inquirer examines the impact of mifepristone, otherwise known as the abortion pill, over the last 15 years since its approval in the U.S.
NPR:
FDA Revisits Safety Of The Essure Contraceptive Device
Essure is a device comprised of two tiny coils made of nickel-titanium alloy. Scott's doctor inserted one into each of her fallopian tubes to permanently block them. Since Essure doesn't require surgery, he said it would be a lot easier, quicker and safer. ... Because of complaints, the FDA has asked a panel of outside experts to take another look at Essure during a public hearing on Thursday. (Stein, 9/21)
The Philadelphia Inquirer:
As Abortion Pill Turns 15, Debate Rages On
Fifteen years after its approval in the United States, the abortion pill mifepristone is used in nearly a quarter of all abortions, a proportion that has grown steadily even as the national abortion rate has fallen to a historic low. Federal data also show that mifepristone, brand name Mifeprex, has accelerated the shift toward early pregnancy terminations - before 10 weeks - when it is safest and has the greatest public acceptance. Maker Danco Laboratories says more than two million women have used its "early option pill." (McCullough, 9/20)