Fifteen Minutes of Feminism: Mifepristone May Treat Fibroids, Endometriosis and Cancer. Why Is Access Being Obstructed? (with Carrie Baker)

Mifepristone, one of the drugs in the two-pill medication abortion regimen approved by the Food and Drug Administration, is an extremely versatile drug. It has the potential to treat a striking range of diseases and conditions—from fibroids, breast cancer, depression, and endometriosis, to autoimmune diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple sclerosis, according to scientists. Research also suggests that it could help prevent some forms of breast cancer, and it can serve as an effective weekly contraceptive without some of the side effects of hormonal birth control.  Given its incredibly promising uses to aid women's health, why has its research been repeatedly undermined, derailed, and obstructed in the United States?Joining us to discuss these issues is our very special guest: Carrie N. Baker: Carrie Baker is the a professor of the Study of Women and Gender and chair of the Program for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality at Smith College. She is a contributing editor with Ms. Magazine and publishes a monthly column in the Daily Hampshire Gazette. Her latest book, Abortion Pills: US History and Politics, was published in 2024 by Amherst College Press.Check out this episode’s landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show