Australian MPs back abortion pill

Australian MPs yesterday ended a bitter debate by voting to make the controversial abortion pill available.

In a rare conscience vote, federal politicians overturned an effective ban on the drug and stripped the Australian Health Minister, Tony Abbott, of his veto over the RU486 pill.

Although the issue has been emotionally divisive across the Tasman, the pill was approved for use in New Zealand's public health system four years ago. But it is still not available to most women.

Wellington Hospital is the only public provider of early medical abortions using the pill mifepristone (RU486), which is considered much less invasive than traditional methods.

The Auckland Medical Aid Centre is the other provider but it is a private clinic and charges $1000 for the drug.

Nationally, only 4 per cent of all abortions - there were 18,211 in 2004 - involved the pill and that indicates there is not enough access, say two sexual health doctors.

"It would be nice to see all the clinics offering it because it is a choice that some women like to use," said Family Planning Association clinical spokeswoman Dr Christine Roke.

Thirty-six to 48 hours after taking mifepristone the woman is given prostaglandin tablets to expel the fetus.

The drug is suitable for women up to nine weeks pregnant, but is most effective before seven weeks.

There are some side-effects, including bleeding and cramping.

Although approved as a prescription medicine, RU486 is not available for use by GPs or most other doctors.