Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy after implantation. Surgical abortions are done by placing an instrument into the uterine cavity and applying suction. Mifepristone is a pill which causes a medical abortion (a non-surgical abortion). It is sometimes called “RU-486." Mifepristone is an anti-progestin. It blocks the effect of progesterone on the lining of the uterus. It is followed by taking a prostaglandin called misoprostol 24-48 hours later. Shortly thereafter 95% of women who have this type of medical abortion will abort.

Complete information about the use of Mifepristone to terminate a pregnancy is available through your clinician.

Advantages:

• This type of abortion may be done in a clinician's office without surgery. This may mean greater privacy.
• Medical abortion is safe, effective and can be done without an instrument being placed into the uterus.
• No anesthesia is needed.
• Many women do not have negative feelings after an abortion but feel relieved.

Disadvantages:

• Cramping and pain may occur. Bleeding after treatment lasts an average of 9 days.
• Some people may feel guilty at having ended a pregnancy.
• Mifepristone can only be used early in pregnancy, up to about 9 weeks after your last period.

Where do I go to have a medical abortion and how do I decide?

• If you are pregnant and did not plan to be, you have a very important decision to make. Talk to your clinician or family planning clinic staff about this decision and where to go to have a safe abortion.
• Your decision should be to do what you, yourself, feel is right. You may want to discuss this decision with your husband, partner, a counselor, friend or family member.
• The earlier in pregnancy an abortion is done, the safer and less expensive it is.

What if I only recently had unprotected sex?