I did not know the procedure was so quick. I realized that was in the recovery room but did not remember having had the procedure. . . These two medications must be combined to successfully induce an abortion. Mefipristone works faster and is more effective than alternative drugs such as methotrexate. Instruments are not needed to dilate the cervix, which ideally could eliminate the risks of a surgical procedure and the anesthesia.
Mifepristone blocks the action of progesterone, a hormone that is needed to sustain a pregnancy.
Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy as with a miscarriage. Medical abortion has been safely used by millions of women since 1988 in France, China, Israel, England, Sweden and other European countries. This limited use may be due to several safety and medical requirements that must be met. For example, women must understand that once these drugs are administered, it is essential that the abortion procedure be completed either medically or surgically because the drugs may cause fetal malformations. They must be willing and able to deal with possible emergencies during the first 2 or 3 weeks.