The ""Abortion Pill"": Ru-486, a Woman's Choice

French endocrinologist Baulieu, with the help of Associated Press senior correspondent Rosenblum, promotes the ``abortion pill,'' RU-486, which remains unavailable in the U.S. Baulieu's research in sex hormones was instrumental in the synthesis of RU-486 over a decade ago; here, he explains how the pill disrupts hormone signals, thus either preventing fertilization or separating the fertilized egg from the uterine wall. Judged safe, affordable and nearly 100% effective in European testing--though not without discomfort--RU-486 constitutes an alternative to the ``pain and mutilation'' of ``outmoded'' methods of abortion, a boon to Third World nations, here ... and a possible boost to immunological defenses, says Baulieu. He skillfully counters detractors with statistical evidence of RU-486's success, with positive testimonies from former patients and evidence of international support. Although this informative primer is at times dry--Baulieu is a scientist, not a raconteur--it merits attention from both pro-choice and pro-life camps. Photos not seen by PW. (Nov.)