Abstract

PIP: RU-486 is a progesterone antagonist (antiprogestin), an antiglucocorticoid, and noncompetitive antiestrogen. Further, it is 1 of 400 antiprogestins produced by at least 6 pharmaceutical companies. Research shows that RU-486 has the potential to treat endometriosis in addition to its already proven ability to terminate pregnancy. Indeed more conclusive research on antiprogestins should continue because they may have many other clinical indications. They may initiate cervical dilation and myometrial contractility adjunctive to labor and delivery. They may eventually be used as a contraceptive by preventing ovulation. Moreover, antiprogestins may slow growth of some estrogen dependent neoplasias, such as breast and endometrial cancer. They may even regulate cortisol production in Cushing's syndrome. Lastly they can evacuate a fetus who died in utero in advance pregnancy. Even though there are these potential benefits of antiprogestins that are unrelated to abortion, the politics of abortion hinder research in the US. Intimidation techniques are used to coerce the Food and Drug Administration, pharmaceutical companies, and researchers not to develop or sell any antiprogestins, especially RU-486. Narrow zealousness of 1 view point which excludes all other appropriate motives challenges logic and reason. The time has come for governmental agencies, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and those who only consider the abortion issue to see the scientific agenda on antiprogestins more broadly. There are people other than those interested in their abortifacient qualities who need to know more about them.