Canada will join 60 countries around the world that allow women to have access to the drug RU-486, which is better known as, the ‘abortion pill.’
Health Canada confirmed late Wednesday that it had approved the drug for use here, 2 1/2 years after the manufacturer's application was submitted. Women will need to obtain a prescription from a doctor to purchase the drug.
“We’re behind the rest of the world,” said Christine Smith, executive director of Planned Parenthood Regina.
“It holds us back from being on par with other developed countries. And it really impacts on women’s rights.”
However, not everyone is in full support of the drug.
“There are lots of things to take into consideration. There are certain health risks that need to be taken into account. As well as the emotional and psychological impact in terminating a pregnancy,” said Melony Materi, executive director of Option Pregnancy Center.
The drug will be sold under the brand name Mifegymiso in Canada. It is made by Linepharma International Limited.
It is often called mifepristone. But in fact Mifegymiso is two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol. The former blocks production of the hormone progesterone, needed to sustain a pregnancy. The latter prompts the uterus to contract and expel the placenta and the fetus.
Studies have shown the drug can be used safely as late as 70 days into a pregnancy, although it is thought Health Canada may have set an earlier limit on the use of the drug.
Federal Health Minister Rona Ambrose had little to say Wednesday night about her department's decision.
"Drug approval decisions are arms-length decisions made by Health Canada officials based on analysis by Health Canada scientists," a spokesperson for Ambrose said in an email.
Reproductive medicine experts have called the drug the best known option for abortion and have been advocating for its approval in Canada.
While some countries allow the drug to be dispensed by pharmacists, Health Canada has opted not to go that route.
Vicki Saporta, president and CEO of the National Abortion Federation and its Canadian offshoot, NAF Canada, said initially the drug will probably only be available through health-care professionals who already provide abortion services.
Saporta said it's hoped that over time more doctors will agree to prescribe the drug - especially those serving remote communities or working in areas where women have to travel long distances to see a doctor who will perform an abortion.
"Mifepristone holds the promise of improving access to abortion care for women in more rural communities where there isn't a current abortion provider," she said.
Saporta said it is likely the drug will only become available in Canada in early 2016.
With files from The Canadian Press
