What is the difference between a medication abortion and a surgical abortion?
The term medication abortion is used for an abortion that is done using medications. Early medication abortion must be done in the first nine weeks of pregnancy. An ultrasound will be done to determine how far along the pregnancy is. You will be given two drugs for a medication abortion. The first drug is Mifepristone, formerly called RU-486; you will take this drug prior to leaving the clinic. Mifepristone blocks the hormone that helps to maintain a pregnancy. The second drug is called Misoprostol, it will cause cramping and bleeding to expel the pregnancy. This drug will be given to you at the clinic and you will take it at home in 2-3 days. A majority of women will have bleeding and pass the pregnancy within 4 hours of inserting this second drug.
