Russia moves to restrict drugs used in medical abortions
The Russian Health Ministry has issued an order adding drugs used for medical abortion and emergency contraception to its list of controlled substances and restricting their distribution.
Medications containing misoprostol and mifepristone will be subject to strict record-keeping by hospitals and pharmacies, and doctors will only be able to prescribe such medications using a special form that requires extensive information and multiple official stamps. Misoprostol and mifepristone are used together to terminate pregnancy. Mifepristone is also used in small doses as an emergency contraceptive; however, the Russian Health Ministry did not specify a dosage in the new regulations.
The order comes into effect on September 1, 2024, and will remain in effect until September 1, 2030.
