In the News. ACOG Responds to New Study on Ulipristal Acetate

The following is a statement from Stella Dantas, MD, FACOG, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) https://www.acog.org/news/news...:

“Ongoing research across the field of obstetrics and gynecology ensures that ob-gyns and other clinicians in the field can provide patients with the most up-to-date standards in clinical care. But it’s important to note that most individual studies do not change clinical practices; they simply help to advance our scientific knowledge.

“The new study on ulipristal acetate (UPA) and misoprostol for medication abortion is an example of such research. While the new study will not change clinical guidance or clinician prescribing habits, it is now part of the body of knowledge that is available to us as physician scientists when it comes to safe, effective UPA medication. As a form of emergency contraception, UPA works by delaying ovulation, thus preventing pregnancy. This new study demonstrates that in a different, higher dosage, UPA may have a different mode of action that, in combination with misoprostol, ends a pregnancy.

“Although the findings of this study are clear, ACOG expects that the conclusion will be misinterpreted and misrepresented by those who intentionally use it to advance an anti-abortion agenda. This study does not in any way, shape, or form suggest that Ella, an important option for patients seeking emergency contraception, causes abortion. Emergency contraception does not end a pregnancy: it prevents it.

“Barriers already exist to patients seeking to use Ella, including its prescription-only regulatory status and inconsistent pharmacy stocking. However, for many patients, Ella is the only emergency contraception option that will be effective for their needs. Any misuse of the findings of the new study in an effort to impose new barriers to access for Ella is inappropriate and will leave many patients without access to the emergency contraception they need.

“Abortion is an essential part of reproductive health care, and so is emergency contraception. Critically, this study does not conclude—and should not be misrepresented as concluding—that emergency contraception causes abortion.”