Cytotec: Safe or Deadly?Medically induced labor becomes necessary for many reasons. Some pregnancies develop complications such as hypertension, preeclampsia, heart disease, gestational diabetes, or bleeding during pregnancy (1). Many pregnancies last longer than forty-two weeks and "there is evidence that some babies are at risk after this point due to gradual decline." in the nutrient supply of the placenta” (1). To induce labor that has not started naturally, “a mechanical or chemical stimulus is necessary” (1). Artificial rupture of the membrane (mechanical) occurs “when the water sac (amniotic sac) breaks or ruptures, production of the hormone prostaglandin increases, speeding up contractions”(1). Medications (chemicals) may be given to the patient to “produce a synthetic form of the hormone that your body naturally produces during spontaneous labor” (2). The most commonly used medications are pitocin and syntocinon, which are “a synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin.” Cytotec is another medication used to induce labor. However, Cytotec has many risks and side effects when used for this purpose. Administration of Cytotec to obstetric patients is considered off-label use. “In the United States, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations allow physicians to prescribe approved drugs for indications other than those intended. This practice is known as “off-label use” (3). This practice constitutes a loophole in FDA law which states that "once a drug is tested and approved for a specific use, it may be prescribed and used for any other use that a physician would choose without the need for approval." 'be tested for this treatment' ( ). Cytotec was developed "to prevent stomach ulcers in patients taking anti-inflammatory medications... middle of paper ...... This is my life now, this is who I am; a broken spirit, with a broken body, all because of an error of judgment. Tatia M. Oden French is a consumer group organizing a petition against the FDA due to adverse reactions related to the use of the drug Cytotec. To date, there are a total of 2,796 signatures asking the FDA to consider events that affect women and their families when using Cytotec. 2,796 people were affected by its use. Women died, children died, men lost a wife and/or a child. All of them have changed in one way or another thanks to one tiny pill. It is unclear whether any of these events or Searle's objections will change support for the ACOG or FDA laws. Cytotec is always administered to women who have faith and certainty that their life, and sometimes that of their unborn child, is in the best hands of their doctor...