A long-running debate over the abortion pill has flared up again, ahead of meetings this week expected to clear the way for the drug's introduction across Italy.

The RU486 pill was approved under the previous, centre-left administration nearly a year ago but tensions are mounting afresh as the Italian Pharmaceutical Agency (AIFA) prepares for the final licensing phase.

AIFA will meet on Tuesday and Thursday to consider the registration application by RU486's manufacturers, Exelgyn.

Much of the review will be little more than a formality, as the drug has already been used safely in a number of European countries for many years.

A high-level minister in the Italian government has called “illegal” the proposal to starve and dehydrate to death vulnerable patients in the care of the country’s nationalised health service. The news comes within hours of Italian media confirming that Eluana Englaro, known as Italy’s Terri Schiavo, was to be moved this week to a clinic that is willing to participate in her killing by removing her feeding and hydration tube.

Australia’s Parliamentary Group on Population and Development has issued a statement calling for federally funded abortions of disabled babies, claiming disabled children are a burden on taxpayers. The statement was issued as the Parliament is debating whether the national Medicare program should cover abortions and was submitted on behalf of the entire caucus and its 41 members.