Mifepristone should be made over the counter now.

[David__77]

That’s the type of action that would really help right now.

[roamer65]

1. Yup.

[David__77]

2. Imagine the sputtering rage of the fascists.

Not that that’s the point. The point is to nullify the impact of this ruling using all tools available.

[roamer65]

3. I have favored it for a long time.

I believe in full abortion in demand.

Fuck the fascists.

[JohnSJ]

4. There are serious side effects from Mifepristone that could occur, which is the reason it won't

In addition, having it OTC, might create a hoarding situation where those buyers would try to resell at black market prices. Going through a pharmacy should control that

[David__77]

6. That is highly unfortunate- it should be made available to women.

The benefit of doing so vastly outweighs the cost.

[JohnSJ]

10. I agree it should be made available for all women, but I don't see the FDA allowing it to be OTC

because of the potential side effects

[David__77]

11. I hope NARAL and others come to demand this.

The responses won’t be perfect. There are a few channels to make a real material impact.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

7. The medication itself is safe and is accessible OTC in many parts of the world. Complications

arise mostly through poor self-screening practices, which can be improved with better education.

[JohnSJ]

12. Convince the FDA. They won't approve Viagra, Avodart, BP meds, and a host of other drugs either

because of potential side effects

As for your argument that a lot of other countries allow it, isn’t going to persuade the FDA. A lot of other countries allow antibiotics OTC also

[WhiskeyGrinder]

24. I'm not trying to convince the FDA, but it is constantly reviewing recommendations to it, leading to

things such as its recent approval of accessing the pills through the mail. The needle is always moving.

[FBaggins]

5. No - it isn't a Tums

You need to be under a doctor's care. There are far too many risks to self-dosing. It isn't some right-wing scheme that you're supposed to make three doctor appointments.

What if you're further along than you think you are? Surgery may be required

[WhiskeyGrinder]

8. Medication abortions are safe and effective, as evidenced by their use in telehealth situations.

New national protocols have found an ultrasound isn't necessary before administering the pills if other screenings are followed, and follow-up appointments can also be conducted without an in-person visit in many instances. The pills are that effective.

[FBaggins]

14. Telehealth is under the care of a medical professional

That isn't over-the-counter

If the drug is OTC there will be some people who find out they are pregnant and run to Walgreens to take care of it. That's far too dangerous.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

23. Right, and increasingly, medical professionals are finding that patients who use abortion medication

don't need to be -- certainly not in person.

If the drug is OTC there will be some people who find out they are pregnant and run to Walgreens to take care of it. That's far too dangerous.

Wait until you hear about acetaminophen.

[David__77]

9. It's OTC in many places.

The benefit outweighs the cost, by far. It’s something the federal government can do to empower women in reproductive health.

[FBaggins]

16. Where?

[David__77]

17. Mexico.

And women will go there to get it. Why make them do that?

[FBaggins]

18. Mexico doesn't support your claim

There was no determination that the drug was safe to use OTC... they just don't require prescriptions for drugs.

By that argument, ALL drugs should be sold OTC in the US.

[David__77]

19. Mexico allows a woman to purchase it without getting a physician's prescription.

The same should be done in this country. I understand that some people will not want to allow women to do that, and would prefer to restrict their access to this medication.

[FBaggins]

21. Again - you're dodging

Unless you're arguing that ALL medication should be available without a prescription?

Mexico made no determination that the drug was safe to take at your own discretion. They aren't evidence that the FDA should abandon their own requirements for OTC consideration.

[David__77]

22. The danger posed by blocking access to reproductive health is an extreme one

And it should be accounted for in expanding access and options using all means available.

[Tommy Carcetti]

13. I'll take "Terrible Takes" for $200, Alex. nt

[David__77]

15. As if women won't get them from India.

It is important to legalize access and take the physician away as gatekeeper. It is done this way elsewhere abd makes sense.

[PortTack]

20. It is available from an online DR which amounts to a phone call...that's it