Mifepristone is an abortion-inducing pharmaceutical that works by blocking the pregnancy hormone progesterone and is commonly used in a two-drug medical abortion regimen with misoprostol; misoprostol is typically taken about 24 hours after mifepristone to induce uterine contractions and expel the pregnancy.
high
medical
Describes the mechanism of action and typical administration timing for the common medical abortion regimen.
U.S. federal law has long prohibited the mailing of abortion-inducing drugs such as mifepristone and misoprostol.
medium
general
Legal context about distribution methods for abortion medications.
Drug labeling for mifepristone and misoprostol indicates that approximately 1 in 25 women who use chemical abortion drugs require emergency room care, and some experience hemorrhaging, infection, or require surgery.
high
general
Safety information reported on medication labeling for medical abortion.