WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback today sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala asking her not to approve the abortion-inducing drug, RU-486. Eight other senators joined Sen. Brownback in signing this letter, including: Jim Inhofe, Mike Enzi, Mike DeWine, Tim Hutchinson, Bob Smith, Frank Murkowski, John Ashcroft, and Jeff Sessions. The text of the letter follows:

"We are writing in strong opposition to the possible Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the abortion-inducing drug, RU-486, also known as mifepristone.

"First, we object in principle to the approval of this drug because its primary purpose is to induce an abortion.

"We are deeply concerned, as well, over recent reports regarding the manufacture of this drug and would therefore urge a more thorough and careful review before any approval is granted.

"Particularly disturbing is a recent article, "Abortion-Pill Venture Keeps to Shadows Awaiting Approval" by Rachel Zimmerman (Wall Street Journal, September 5, 2000, page A1). This article implies that Danco Industries has an arrangement with a business in China to produce the pills that, pending FDA approval, would be sold in the United States.

"If correct, this information raises serious concerns that ought to be answered before any final decision is made to allow the importation of the abortion pill into the United States from China. We, therefore, strongly urge you to delay any further action on the approval of this abortion-inducing drug."