RU 486: A LESSON IN RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Abstract

The current controversy surrounding the introduction of the French abortifacient, RU 486, into the U.S. should not be simplistically characterized as the FDA’s failure to admit a promising new drug for women. Rather, the furious debate over this drug derives from an entire systemic failure -- a failure to take responsibility. A failure by the medical and scientific community to fully and objectively assess the known and unknown dangers to woments health and safety. A failure by purveyors of information in the manipulation of theoretical and highly preliminary evidence regarding potential uses for this drug in the treatment of several tragic diseases. A failure of the Food and Drug Agency itself to make clear both to itself and to the public its policies, and its justifications for its policies. A failure of Congress to providing leadership and guidance from a democratic majority on this issue which affects our entire country. And, most of all, a failure of the American public to truthfully scrutinize the choices we are making for ourselves and to take responsibility for their implications and consequences. Many of us would rather place the burden on deciding the correct course of action solely on the manufacturer of the drug. RU486 is merely another tool which may be used to bring life or death, suffering or its alleviation in the hands of men and women. In order to decide how to use that tool wisely, or to abstain from using it all, we must look closely at facts and the nature of what is at stake, and each of us take responsibility for arriving at reasoned solutions.