Mifepristone

Paper Summary:

This examines the ethical considerations of the use of one specific abortifacient--mifepristone, which is commercially marketed as RU-486. While other pregnancy control technologies are discussed in this paper, they are only described as is necessary to illustrate the unique considerations surrounding mifepristone. It also addresses the practical dynamics of the real world administration of this substance, giving due consideration to the rights of the impregnated, the fetus (if indeed, such rights exist) and the healthcare provider.

Outline
Differences Between Birth Control and Abortifacients
Defining the Human--Distinguishing Cells from Souls
Cultural and Historical Consideration
The Rights of All Parties Concerned

From the Paper:

"The use of abortifacients and contraceptives, while probably more common in modern in times, is not without historical and cross cultural precedent. One research team notes that, "Chinese traditional system of medicine has mentioned as many as 749 plants for their anti-fertility effect" (Gupta et al. 1431). The same authors go on to note that traditional and plant based methods have been used in attempts to control pregnancy in every part of the globe, from Appalachia to South East Asia (1432). Feminist historian Londa Schiebinger notes European explorers discovered that Amerindians used a variety of birth control techniques, including plant based abortifacients (236)."

More papers on Mifepristone:

• Analytical Essay # 54183 : "RU-486"
• Analytical Essay # 5348 : "The Abortion Pill"

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