Title: Abortifacient drugs and devices: medical and moral dilemmas.

POPLINE Document Number: 076059

Author(s):

Severyn KM

Source citation:

LINACRE QUARTERLY, 1990 Aug;57(3):50-67.

Abstract:

The journal of the National Federation of Catholic Physicians' Guilds has printed a philosophical overview from a registered pharmacist concerning the need for her antiabortion colleagues to refuse to dispense oral contraceptives (OCs) and abortifacient drugs. Saline solution causes vasodilation, edema, congestion, bleeding, and shock resulting in fetal death. Some physicians prescribe the E and F prostaglandins to induce premature labor and, depending on gestational age, delivery of dead fetus. A prostaglandin analog approved for treatment for gastric ulcers can cause miscarriage. Antiabortion groups tried to convince the US Food and Drug Administration to not approve it for fear that physicians would prescribe it for women who wanted to induce abortion. These same groups object to IUDs, the low dose combined OC, progestin only OC, Depo-Provera, Norplant, vaginal rings, and RU-486 since they prevent implantation of a fertilized ovum. They also do not support WHO research on the anti-human chorionic gonadotropin vaccine on the same grounds. Therefore antiabortion pharmacists who believe life begins at conception struggle between their moral and ethical standards and their need to work. In fact, a grocery store chain with pharmacies fired some pharmacists who refused to dispense an OC. Some independent pharmacists refused to dispense OCs. Pharmacists for Life have developed a model pharmacist's conscience clause in hopes it would be adopted by professional associations, employers, and state pharmacy boards. The registered pharmacist who brought this issue to the journal believes pharmacists need to be protected from losing their jobs if they choose not to dispense drugs she labels as abortifacients just as nurses and physicians are now protected.

Keywords:

United States
Philosophical Overview
Abortion
Physiology
Prostaglandins, Synthetic
IUD
Oral Contraceptives, Combined
Depo-Provera
Contraceptive Implants
RU-486
Vaginal Rings
Vaccines
Contraception, Immunological
Ethics
Pharmacists
Catholicism
North America
Americas
Developed Countries
Fertility Control, Postconception
Family Planning
Biology
Prostaglandins
Endocrine System
Contraceptive Methods
Contraception
Oral Contraceptives
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate
Contraceptive Agents, Progestin
Contraceptive Agents, Female
Contraceptive Agents
Hormone Antagonists
Hormones
Health Personnel
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Interest Groups
Political Factors
Christianity
Religion