The Population Council said these restrictions limited access. Approval of the drug became a US election issue, leading to fears that it would be delayed indefinitely. Waldham says they are delighted the issue has been settled. Others were not so enthusiastic. Mary Ellen Douglas, national organizer for the Campaign Life Coalition called the approval a political move.
Mifepristone stops a fertilized egg from attaching itself to the lining of the uterus.
Two days later, the woman takes misoprostol, which triggers contractions of the uterus.