Party Leader Graham Capill, responding to the announcement that the abortion drug RU486 has been approved for use in New Zealand, said that, “Everything about the drug is deceptive and the government should not have approved it.”

“It is presented as the ‘quick and easy’ abortion option. But little is said concerning the fact that it will still require the signatures of two certifying consultants (the process has not been simplified) and hospitalisation in either an abortion clinic or a hospital licensed to carry out abortions. That serious complications have been associated with its use overseas is also glossed over.

“With over 16,000 abortions in New Zealand, why is the government wasting more of the limited health resources on another abortion option?

“The deception even extends to the company that is introducing the drug into the country. Istar is a not-for-profit Company formed by five doctors in 1999, expressly for the purpose of making Mifegyne® available for New Zealand women, because no established pharmaceutical firm wished to be involved it. The five doctors who are promoting this drug should be more honest and reveal their vested personal agendas in making this available, knowing that it’s such a controversial issue.

“Also of concern is Istar’s own admission that it is also used for late term abortions. New Zealand law is clear: abortion is illegal except where it seriously threatens the physical and mental health of the woman and is before 20 weeks gestation. The law is being flouted and this only makes the situation worse.

“RU486 snuffs out the life of the unborn child, is detrimental to the well-being of women, and wastes precious health resources. It is time the government put tax payer money to better use by approving drugs which are available in other countries to treat genuine disease,” Mr Capill concluded.

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