When followed by the oral prostaglandin, misoprostol, RU486 ends pregnancy. RU 486 followed by misoprostol has gone through the rigorous FDA approval process for safety and effectiveness. RU 486 is the first FDA approved early option pill for ending early pregnancy. In the past decade more than half a million women in Europe have used this drug for ending early pregnancy. Worldwide, this early option has now been approved in eighteen countries.
Medical abortion is a method for ending a woman's pregnancy without surgery.
In a very small percentage of surgical abortions, however, certain risks and complications can occur, some of which are related to the surgical procedure. With medical abortion, however, there is no surgery. Medications are administered to a pregnant woman and these medications cause her body to abort the pregnancy, very much like a miscarriage. Although both medical and surgical abortions are considered safe risks, exist for both. A nurse will review the risks and benefits of both in order to assist you in your choice.