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Mifepristone (RU-486 ® ) as a Schedule IV Controlled Drug—Implications for a Misleading Drug Policy on Women’s Health Care

Author

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  • Yi-Ping Hsieh

    (Department of Social Work, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Yun-Ju Wang

    (College of Law, National Chung-Cheng University, Chia-Yi 62102, Taiwan
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Ling-Yi Feng

    (Doctoral/Master Degree Program in Toxicology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan)

  • Li-Tzy Wu

    (Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA)

  • Jih-Heng Li

    (Doctoral/Master Degree Program in Toxicology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan)

Abstract

Background: Mifepristone (RU-486) has been approved for abortion in Taiwan since 2000. Mifepristone was the first non-addictive medicine to be classified as a schedule IV controlled drug. As a case of the “misuse” of “misuse of drugs laws,” the policy and consequences of mifepristone-assisted abortion for pregnant women could be compared with those of illicit drug use for drug addicts. Methods: The rule-making process of mifepristone regulation was analyzed from various aspects of legitimacy, social stigma, women’s human rights, and access to health care. Results and Discussion: The restriction policy on mifepristone regulation in Taiwan has raised concerns over the legitimacy of listing a non-addictive substance as a controlled drug, which may produce stigma and negatively affect women’s reproductive and privacy rights. Such a restriction policy and social stigma may lead to the unwillingness of pregnant women to utilize safe abortion services. Under the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US FDA’s action on mifepristone prescription and dispensing reminds us it is time to consider a change of policy. Conclusions: Listing mifepristone as a controlled drug could impede the acceptability and accessibility of safe mifepristone use and violates women’s right to health care.

Suggested Citation

  • Yi-Ping Hsieh & Yun-Ju Wang & Ling-Yi Feng & Li-Tzy Wu & Jih-Heng Li, 2022. "Mifepristone (RU-486 ® ) as a Schedule IV Controlled Drug—Implications for a Misleading Drug Policy on Women’s Health Care," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-13, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:14:p:8363-:d:858581
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Finer, L. & Fine, J.B., 2013. "Abortion law around the world: Progress and pushback," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(4), pages 585-589.
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