On September 28, 2000, the FDA approved Mifepristone (also known as RU-486 or "the abortion pill") for termination of early pregnancy. Mifepristone, marketed under the brand name Mifeprex, is now offered at CFHC as a non-invasive early abortion option for women. Many women report medical abortion as being "private" and "more like a miscarriage", but the method may not be appropriate for all women.

How Mifeprex works

Mifepristone is a medication that induces a miscarriage when taken orally in early pregnancy. When combined with a second medication, misoprostol (a uterine contractor that helps expel the pregnancy), medical abortion is 95-98% effective. The medications used are prescribed by a clinician, up to 63 days after the first day of the last menstrual period, or 9 weeks LMP.

A woman who qualifies for a medical abortion will be given a dose of mifepristone under the guidance of our clinician. In a few days she inserts misoprostol tablets into her vagina. The pregnancy usually ends at home within four hours. A follow-up visit is required to be certain that the termination was successful. 1-6% of medical abortions fail. In these cases, surgical procedures are required to end the pregnancy.

Side Effects

Bleeding and cramping are a normal part of the process. Women will generally experience bleeding greater than a heavy period and can expect lighter bleeding or spotting for an average of 9-16 days. In some cases, women may have severe bleeding and need to contact their clinician right away. Side effects that may occur include nausea, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue and back pain.

Deciding if Medical Abortion is Right for You

The staff and practitioner at Concord Feminist Health Center are available to answer any questions you may have regarding choosing a medical or surgical abortion. Feel free to call us with your concerns.

You may also want to visit these two websites:

• www.earlyoptionpill.com - from the manufacturer of Mifeprex
• www.earlyoptions.org - National Abortion Federation
• comparison of surgical abortion and Mifeprex
• Pregnancy Options workbook