Indian Manufacturer Sold Low-Quality Abortion Pills
Access Isn't the Only Problem for Abortion Pills. Sometimes They're Suspect.
More than 30 samples of drugs made by Synokem, including generic abortion pills, have failed quality tests conducted by Indian regulators and public health researchers since 2018. This is particularly concerning because the nonprofit DKT International distributes medicines made in India to women around the world.
The Global Impact of Substandard Medicine
With splashy marketing campaigns and major donors like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, DKT International has become one of the world’s largest sellers of abortion pills, serving women from India to Mexico. The Washington DC-based nonprofit says it provides high-quality medicines, condoms and other reproductive health products at affordable prices.
However, recent findings show that almost one-fifth of the 30 million products DKT distributes annually for abortions and postpartum hemorrhage prevention come from an Indian company with a record of making substandard medicine. In addition to international markets, some of those drugs are now finding their way into the US through unauthorized online channels.
Key Data and Quality Findings
- Manufacturer: Synokem
- Failed Quality Tests: More than 30 samples since 2018.
- Total Annual Distribution: 30 million products for abortions and postpartum hemorrhage prevention.
- Supply Concern: Almost one-fifth of annual distribution is sourced from a manufacturer with a shoddy quality record.
- Regulatory Status: Abortion Pill Provider Buys From Indian Manufacturer With Bad Quality Record.