Drug is safe and effective procedure, UMC doctor says
The Food and Drug Administration yesterday approved the use of mifepristone, a drug that terminates pregnancy in the first seven weeks, but it will not be available on campus.
In 1972, the university signed an agreement with the Arizona State Legislature, stating that in order to obtain funds for the Arizona Stadium, UMC cannot provide abortions.
"It's a hot political potato," said Dr. Thomas Purdon, associate professor and department vice chair in obstetrics and gynecology at the University Medical Center.
"We would not provide the drug, but we could refer patients to a suitable provider," he said.
Contrary to the "morning-after" pill, which is a form of emergency contraception, mifepristone is 92 to 95 percent effective in inducing abortion in early pregnancy.
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