The WHO has added abortion pills to its list of essential medicines

The World Health Organization (WHO) has added the abortion pills mifepristone and misoprostol to its list of essential medicines. The WHO justifies this decision by stating that these drugs meet the priority health needs of the population and that the decision was made on the basis of their effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

The decision comes just weeks after a 19-year-old woman in Canada died from an infection following a chemical abortion, reigniting debate about the risks of this type of termination.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from some groups. Critics point to cases of serious complications, including bleeding and infection, and are calling for stricter regulations.

In the US, some states have banned these drugs, and 22 attorneys general have called on Donald Trump's administration to review the safety of mifepristone.

(mja)