Radiolab Abortion Pills, Take Two
8 snips
Apr 14, 2023 Avir Mitra, a contributing editor and ER doctor, dives into the turbulent world of abortion pills, specifically mifepristone. He discusses the recent contradictory federal rulings that put the drug's future in jeopardy. The conversation reveals the history and science behind these pills, highlighting their safety and effectiveness. Avir also sheds light on the shift towards self-managed abortions during the COVID pandemic and the role of telehealth in expanding access. This urgent dialogue reveals the intersections of medicine, law, and personal choice.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Abortion Stories
- Avir Mitra's mother, an OB-GYN, shared stories of performing invasive abortions in the late 1970s.
- These stories contrasted with the relatively safer procedures of today, highlighting a shift in abortion practices.
Surgical Abortion
- In the 1980s, post-Roe v. Wade, surgical abortion was the standard procedure.
- This involved anesthesia and physical removal of the embryo or fetus, a more invasive approach.
Ulcer Drugs for Abortion
- In Brazil, where abortion was illegal, women used ulcer drugs to induce abortions.
- These drugs, labeled as unsafe during pregnancy, surprisingly proved effective.