Facts:

RU486 (milepristone) is a pill taken by mouth in the first 7 weeks of pregnancy

It causes the uterus to shed its lining, dislodging the embryo

A prostaglandin (misopostol) is given 48 hours after the RU486 was taken

The prostaglandin is a pill or sometimes a vaginal suppository

The prostaglandin induces contractions that expel the embryo in about 95% of the cases

The other 5% will need a surgical abortion to remove the embryo

The Procedure:

There are, at this time, 3 doctor visits needed to complete the process

At the 1st visit, a pregnancy test and sonogram will be performed. The Ru486 will be given.

The 2nd visit is 48 hours later, when the prostaglandin will be given. You will wait at the clinic for 3-4 hours until your bleeding is under control

Within 24 hours after the prostaglandin, you will pass large blood clots.

About 12-14 days after taking he RU486, you will return to the doctor a 3rd time to determine that the abortion was successful. If not, you will need a surgical abortion.

Side Effects:

Nausea

Abdominal cramping

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Heavy Bleeding

Warning:

Long term effects of these drugs have not yet been sufficiently studied, but future pregnancies could be affected, potentially inducing miscarriages or causing severe malformation in later children.