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The Medical and Legal Implications of the RU-486 Abortion Drug

Terry will talk to three people about the recent events revolving around RU-486, the abortion-inducing drug. The drug is in use in France and Britian but is illegal in the U.S. Two weeks ago, a pregnant woman, Leona Benten, tried to bring the drug into the country, but it was seized by authorities. The case is about to go before the Supreme Court. Today's guests include FDA spokesperson Gary Fendler, Simon Heller of the Center for Reproductive Law and Policy, and Leona Benten's physician, Dr. Louise Tyrer.

22:19
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Other segments from the episode on July 16, 1992

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, July 16, 1991: Interview with Gary Fendler, Simon Heller, and Louise Tyrer; Interview with Michael Lerner; Review of an album of Schubert's music called "2 x Winterreise."
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14:51

Film Actor Michael Lerner

Lerner was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Barton Fink." He's been featured in the films, "Eight Men out," "Harlem Nights," and "The Postman Always Rings Twice." He's now acting in the new HBO movie, "The Comrades of Summer."

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05:36

A Fresh Take on Schubert's Songs

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews "2 x Winterreise," a reinterpretation of a series of 24 poems by Wihelm Mueller set to the music of Schubert.

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Transcripts are created on a rush deadline, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of Fresh Air interviews and reviews are the audio recordings of each segment.

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17:20

How the Abortion Pill Works

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration conditionally approved the sale of RU486, the French abortion pill, in the United States. The drug won't be available widely until mid-next year. Dr. Elizabeth Newhall works in a clinic in Portland, Oregon, where they have been testing the drug with their patients.

Interview

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'The Great Refusal' author Casey Gerald says ruining his reputation saved his life

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