Chemical abortions, using pills, have been available to Canadian women since 2017 and have since proliferated. But the relative lack of physician oversight, with some pills sent out by mail order, has sparked concerns about the welfare of women and unborn babies.

Cases have been documented in the United States of men spiking their pregnant girlfriends’ food or drink with the pill to cause undesired abortions. Such cases were compiled by think tank The Heritage Foundation in a December 2023 report, which also noted that the pills may leave women open to abuse and coercion.

“Coerced and forced abortions are already happening. And every time safety protocols are degraded, it becomes easier for an unsupportive partner, abuser, or trafficker to harm women, girls, and unborn children,” the report said.

Prolife Alberta echoed these concerns and others—including the health risk of complications during the at-home procedure—in a March email campaign calling for more stringent rules around the pills. The U.S. Supreme Court on March 26 heard arguments on limiting access to the pills.