April 1, 2016

WASHINGTON-Cardinal Dolan, archbishop of New York and chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities responded to new guidelines issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the abortion drug, RU-486.

“The FDA has irresponsibly loosened its guidelines for the dangerous abortion drug RU-486 expanding its use an additional three weeks into pregnancy, and allowing provision by non-physicians,” he said. “The unofficial, off-label use of RU-486 is now the new normal, paving the way for the destruction of even more innocent lives, and putting women and girls at risk for all the life-changing effects of abortion.”

“Far from wanting abortion to be ‘rare’, abortion advocates are celebrating this expanded use as opening an ever-widening door to abortion. They are equally celebrating the FDA’s neglect of women’s health. Women have died from this drug, and many who used it after 8 weeks of pregnancy ended up returning for surgical abortions. This anguish, too, will now be visited on more women,” Cardinal Dolan said.

He concluded with an offer of assistance to women: “Any woman who finds herself pregnant may come to Catholic agencies for non-judgmental, caring assistance. Catholic Charities, pregnancy help centers, and many parishes stand at the ready to assist those in need.”

Keywords: USCCB, Cardinal Dolan, abortion, FDA, RU-486, abortion pill, health care, pro-life, abortion