I was pleased to hear that the Food and Drug Administration finally approved the distribution of RU-486. It is about time that women’s health issues are treated with objectivity and secular evaluation.

The abortion debate is a tired topic in the United States. Whether people agree or disagree with the procedure, it is legal right now, and has been treated accordingly by the FDA. I disagree with the claim made by Texas Gov. George W. Bush that this will make abortions more common.

From what I understand there is a great deal of pain, nausea and other unpleasant side effects from taking the drug. Even though this new method of pregnancy termination might be less expensive, no amount of money can express the emotional havoc a decision like this can wreak on a woman. I am glad to see that this is becoming a “woman’s health” issue, not just a politically driven moral crusade.

Liz Bertolini
education graduate student