Under FDA rules it can only be used within 48 days of a woman's last period, giving her little time to confirm the pregnancy and make a decision about whether to have an abortion. She added that access is particularly meaningful in rural areas, where some doctors have indicated that even if they don't perform surgical abortions, they might be willing to dispense mifepristone. Because mifepristone has been approved specifically for medical abortion, doctors are more likely to offer it or prescribe it when asked. Methotrexate, the similar drug that some doctors have been using, technically is approved only for the treatment of cancer, arthritis, and psoriasis. Cunningham said that neither drug is prescribed very frequently by Planned Parenthood Golden Gate, accounting for only 10 percent of the abortions provided by the organization.
Advocates expect the process to be completed shortly.
Still, Mifeprex is unevenly available and used. At Buena Vista Women's Consultation Center more than a quarter of patients who are in the early stages of pregnancy choose to have a nonsurgical abortion. But Choice Medical Group, one of the area's largest women's health clinics, does not offer nonsurgical abortion. Meanwhile, Bush, who has criticized the FDA's approval of mifepristone, has asked the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to review the pill's safety. Though it would be difficult to remove the pill from the market, DHHS could recommend labeling restrictions or require a registry of doctors who prescribe the drug.