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New AIDS drug may be too expensive for many patients

By LAURA MECKLER

Associated Press writer

WASHINGTON (AP) _ A new drug offers great hope to AIDS patients, but its price may put it out of reach for many, especially those who rely on state-funded, cash-strapped programs.

The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved Fuzeon, the first in a new class of medications to fight AIDS.

State AIDS directors had been awaiting the approval with excitement about its potential mixed with anxiety about its cost. Drug makers haven’t announced a U.S. price yet but said it would be close to the $20,400 per year they are charging in Europe.

Conference assesses dangers to African women from widespread unsafe abortions

By ABEBE ANDUALEM

Associated Press Writer

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) _ A leading advocate of decriminalizing abortion in Africa said Wednesday that unsafe and illegal procedures are endangering millions of African women and their families.

``The African adage that every pregnant woman has one foot in the grave may sound morbid, but it’s as true today as it was in my grandmother’s time,’’ said Dr. Eunice Brookman-Amissah, head of the African Alliance for Women’s Reproductive Health and Rights.

She told the opening session of a three-day conference on reducing maternal mortality in Africa that every year between 4 and 5 million African women undergo unsafe abortions.

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