Since the announcement in the media of the approval of RU486, or mifepristone, students have asked if it will be available from Student Health Services. RU486 or mifepristone is known by some as the abortion pill . However, a regimen of medications-methotrexate and misoprostol has been used for some time for medical abortions, though not specifically approved by the FDA for this. FAU Student Health Services, like most other university health services, will not be providing mifepristone for a number of reasons. FAU Student Health Services on the Boca Raton campus will continue to offer contraception to students, including emergency contraception, also known as the morning-after pill.
Some individuals confuse emergency contraception with the abortion pill.
Emergency contraception consists of hormones that prevent ovulation and implantation of an egg. Emergency contraception is taken within three days of unprotected intercourse-the sooner the better. Emergency contraception is not as effective as an on-going method of contraception. Contraceptive options are being expanded in Student Health Services at the Boca Raton campus, to include the new monthly contraceptive injection called Lunelle. Student Health has, and will continue to offer oral contraceptives, which are available at a low cost, as well as Depoprovera- the shot that is given every three months.