RU 486 in France and England: Corporate Ethics and Compulsory Licensing

Abstract

Prospects for the introduction of RU 486 into the United States in the foreseeable future are not good. Despite the drug's proven value in inducing abortion safely and effectively in early pregnancy without the need of surgery or anesthesia and its potential value in the treatment of many other diseases, it has been held hostage by the controversy over abortion. Because of opposition to abortion from the current administration and the threat of boycotts by antiabortion groups, Roussel-Uclaf, the drug's manufacturer, has expressed its resolve not to become embroiled in the abortion debate and has postponed indefinitely plans to market RU 486 in the United States.The contrast between this situation and that accompanying the introduction of RU 486 into France and England, the two countries where it has so far been approved, is striking. Rather than blocking access to RU 486, the governments of these countries moved forward expeditiously with testing and approval of the drug.