Court stops distribution of abortion pill in Peru

Lima, Peru, Sep 5, 2005 / 22:00 pm

A non-governmental organization in Lima has secured a court injunction against the Peruvian government over the distribution of the morning-after pill in the country.  A Civil Court in Lima granted the injunction in response to a petition filed by the “Association for the Struggle Against Corruption Without Compromise.”

The ruling means health authorities must suspend distribution of the morning-after pill in the country until it is determined that it is not abortifacient.

The injunction directs Peruvian Health Minister Pilar Mazzetti to refrain from distributing the pill until “the implementation of an adequate policy informing people of the abortifacient effects of the drug and of the implications for women’s health is guaranteed.”

Jose Luis Garrido-Lecca, president of the Anti-Corruption group, said he was satisfied by the ruling, as there are numerous scientific studies which prove the pill is abortifacient.  He noted that other countries have implemented similar measures against the drug.

Officials from the Health Ministry said they would appeal the ruling.

In August of last year, thousands of Peruvians gathered in front of the Ministry of Justice to demand the government prohibit the pill as a violation of the country’s constitution, which protects life from the moment of conception.