RU-486 is effective in inducing abortion in early pregnancy. Methotrexate , an anticancer drug, stops cell division and has been used to end ectopic pregnancies as well as to treat cancer. Methotrexate is injected as early in pregnancy as possilble. Day later, misoprostol , a common ulcer drug, is given to induce contractions of the uterus to expel the fetus. Methotrexate and misoprostol are too valuable as cancer and ulcer treatments to be pressured off the market by antiabortion groups.
Late abortions are rare.
In this procedure, the cervix is dilated, sedation is given to the mother, and the fetus is pulled feet first out of the uterus. In countries where abortion is illegal, unsafe abortion procedures occur . Women may attempt to self-induce abortion by enemas, laxatives, pills, etc. Also a sharp instrument may be used in the uterus to induce contractions. About 200 million unsafe abortions are performed around the world yearly, resulting is a high toll of maternal deaths.