The dangers inherent in this method of abortion are evident in the precautions used in other countries, for example in France. The Food and Drug Administration based its 1996 finding that drug-induced abortion using mifepristone and misoprostol ("M/M") was "safe and effective" on findings involving a subset of women (1,681) in French studies. M/M abortions in France are performed at government-run hospitals and clinics, typically with or adjacent to emergency room facilities. Women are screened for numerous medical conditions that rule out the use of the two drugs. Ultrasound is used to determine gestational age and to rule out a tubal pregnancy. After women are given prostaglandin (for example, misoprostol), they are monitored on site for about four hours so that allergic reactions, cardiopulmonary "events", hemorrhages and the like can be diagnosed. treated promptly before they become life-threatening. A 1990 directive signed jointly by the Director General of Health, the Director of Hospitals and the Director of Pharmacy and Drugs of the French Republic establishes that whenever prostaglandins are administered "in association with RU 486" the "following technical conditions.. . are indispensable and must be respected." to be followed: ... b) The doctor must ensure that diagnostic instruments and machines are at hand, such as electrocardiogram equipment and in particular cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment (including nitrous oxide and injectable calcium channel blockers and a fibrillator ... c ) [C Clinical observations and blood pressure measurements every half hour for several hours after administration of these drugs are essential. d) Whenever chest pain is felt, in the suspicion of rhythm disturbances and in case of significant drop in blood pressure, an electrocardiogram should be performed. pressure" ("Letter"). In Sweden women are "supervised by the midwife for 4-6 hours in the clinic" (Bygdeman). In China "the emphasis on close medical supervision is welcome. ... It is emphasized that misoprostol should be taken in the clinic and followed by several hours of observation" (Wu). The long observation is one reason why staff at some large Chinese hospitals are increasingly reluctant to prescribe the combination of drugs: "The number of medical abortions has decreased recently in some of the large hospitals. The staff were too busy to manage the procedure (more consultation, more visits and observation), and also have to manage the reported cases with serious side effects and complications" (Wu 199). Searle, which produces misoprostol under the brand name Cytotec has constantly opposed to the use of Cytotec for induction of labor and for