VOICED: Ulcer drug used to get around repressive abortion laws

In Uruguay, illegal abortion clinics have vanished, not due to liberal laws, but because of misoprostol, a drug for stomach ulcers that can terminate pregnancies. Despite its effectiveness, the drug's recommendation by doctors without prescription has led to a black market. Misoprostol is easily accessible online, but its unsupervised use has resulted in fatalities. Feminists argue for legal abortion to prevent further tragedies, while pro-life groups fear it could lead to more liberal laws across Latin America. The drug is considered safer than surgery but requires medical supervision.

What was the main reason for the disappearance of illegal abortion clinics in Uruguay?

• Increased law enforcement

• Introduction of Misoprostol

• More liberal abortion laws

• Public protests

What is the legal paradox surrounding Misoprostol in Uruguay?

• Doctors can prescribe it but not recommend it

• Doctors can recommend it but not prescribe it

• It is illegal to use but legal to sell

• It is legal to use but illegal to sell

How is Misoprostol typically acquired in Uruguay?

• Through a legal prescription

• Via a black market

• Through government clinics

• From local pharmacies

What is a significant risk associated with buying Misoprostol from the black market?

• High cost

• Lack of availability

• Legal repercussions

• Expired or adulterated medicine

What do pro-life groups fear about the use of Misoprostol?

• It will lead to more illegal abortions

• It will increase the cost of healthcare

• It will result in more liberal abortion laws

• It will decrease the birth rate