WASHINGTON (April 9, 1997) -- An official of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) commented on the announcement by the German drug company Hoechst AG that it will cease making RU-486, the abortion pill.

"This is due to the efforts of so many pro-life groups which have ceaselessly spoken about the threats this drug poses to women and children," said Helen Alvare, Director of Planning and Information, NCCB Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities.

This is the text of the statement:

"The National Conference of Catholic Bishops is pleased to learn that Hoechst AG will cease making RU-486, the abortion pill. This is due to the efforts of so many pro-life groups which have ceaselessly spoken about the threats this drug poses to women and children.

"It is dismaying, however, that Hoechst has merely financially dissociated itself from the abortion pill and will freely give its patent to an enthusiast for the drug, Dr. Edouard Sakiz. Dr. Sakiz will now produce and market the abortion drug in countries where Hoechst had previously refused. Hoechst ought to have repudiated the drug entirely."

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