What are the newer non-surgical abortion methods?
RU 486 Mifepriston (RU 486) is given along with the hormone prostaglandin. This method is used for women who are between 30-49 days from their last menstrual period. The RU 486 pill is given to a woman, who returns two days later for a prostaglandin injection. The combination of these two medications usually caused the uterus to expel the baby and placenta within 24 hours.17 Complications: Continuing pregnancy (1% requiring surgical abortion), excessive bleeding (1%), and retained tissue (2%). Side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.18 Methotrexate Some medical centers are using this chemotherapy drug along with the ulcer medication (misoprostol) in a similar way to that of RU 486. The FDA has not approved Methotrexate for abortion, but once a drug has been approved for one purpose, it can be used for other purposes as well. Methotrexate is given to a woman to kill the fetus. During a second visit, misoprostol suppositories are inserted into the vagina to induce contraction
