Opponents call it the "death pill." Supporters call it the "moral property of women." After years of controversy, RU486, a pill that can end an early pregnancy without surgery, is coming to America. Originally shown on PBS last January, this video examines how a mix of business, political, and ethical concerns have kept the drug out of the United States for nearly a decade. From the pill's invention by Roussel Uclaf in France to its use by women worldwide, the program looks at a methodology that may mean a major shift in tactics for anti-abortionists. Though we suspect the producers' sympathies lie with those in favor of RU486, they present a fairly well-balanced portrait of this long-time debate, including clips with the pill's inventor, the executive director of Operation Rescue, former FDA director David Kessler, and the president of the Population Council, which now holds the drug's patent. A more detailed explanation of how the drug works, and what exactly happens to those using it, would have strengthened the program, but it's a strong optional purchase as it is. (Note: this program is also available to individuals at $29.95.) Aud: H, C, P. (K. Glaser)
The Abortion Pill
(1997) 56 min. $99.95. Cine Qua Non (dist. by Transit Media). Color cover. Vol. 12, Issue 4
The Abortion Pill
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As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
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