Brazilian Government Shuts Down Websites Distributing Abortion Drugs

02.03.2009 During the ICMA steering committee meeting last week, we had a stimulating discussion on the role of internet based provision of medical abortion services. This is one of the issues that raises strong feelings. Yesterday I saw this news item about shutting down of web based sales in Brazil. The article comes from an anti choice site so it is slanted to be negative and biased, nevertheless it raises again an important issue.

Internet based services have as broad a range of providers as do more traditional services, ranging from Women on the Web which includes carefully researched information, online consultation with a physician counseling and follow up to of course uncontrolled online sales of drugs that in some cases are not even mifepristone or misoprostol.

While all of us would like to have women have access to a trained provider in person, this is not always possible,especially where laws are restrictive. What then is the role of internet based provision of medical abortion for early pregnancy. Does it have a role? How do you safeguard the interests of the woman and ensure safety? How do you separate the dangerous sites from responsible ones? What is the role of such services in contexts where alternatives are available?

This raised strong feelings at our meeting and I am sure here too we all have strong opinions. It would be great to hear what others within ASAP feel about this issue.

-Bela

Brazilian Government Shuts Down Websites Distributing Abortion Drugs