FDA to Make Decision on RU-486
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to decide by Saturday whether it will approve the abortion pill, RU-486. It would be the first alternative to surgical abortion approved in the US.
The drug, sold in Europe and elsewhere for more than a decade, allows women to terminate pregnancy within seven weeks of their last period. Opponents of legal abortion have argued that the pill could be more dangerous than surgical abortions, causing severe bleeding in about 2% of women and incomplete abortions in 5% to 8%, requiring women to have surgical abortions to complete the procedure.
The drug's maker, the Roussel Ucalf of Hoechst A.G., decided against marketing approval in the US fearing protests. However, in 1994, the company gave the drug's patent to a nonprofit group, the Population Council. Six months ago, Danco Laboratories, a company formed to market the drug for the Population Council, submitted its application to the FDA. For more information visit www.fda.gov.
I Was There: An Infection Preventionist on the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 30th 2025Deep feelings run strong about the COVID-19 pandemic, and some beautiful art has come out of those emotions. Infection Control Today is proud to share this poem by Carmen Duke, MPH, CIC, in response to a recent article by Heather Stoltzfus, MPH, RN, CIC.
From the Derby to the Decontam Room: Leadership Lessons for Sterile Processing
April 27th 2025Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.
Show, Tell, Teach: Elevating EVS Training Through Cognitive Science and Performance Coaching
April 25th 2025Training EVS workers for hygiene excellence demands more than manuals—it requires active engagement, motor skills coaching, and teach-back techniques to reduce HAIs and improve patient outcomes.
The Rise of Disposable Products in Health Care Cleaning and Linens
April 25th 2025Health care-associated infections are driving a shift toward disposable microfiber cloths, mop pads, and curtains—offering infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in one-time-use solutions.
