RU-486

RU-486 is a medical abortion that is used very early in pregnancy, no later than nine weeks after your last period.  Your doctor would either give you an oral dose of, or inject you with, Mifepristone.  This drug stops the natural function of your body.  The lining of your uterus softens and breaks down.  Two days later you would return to the clinic for a checkup.  If the baby hasn’t been expelled, you would be given another drug (Cytotec or Misoprostol) to make your cervix dilate and your uterus contract, to push the baby from your body-similar to what happens during labor.  This procedure can cause cramping, bleeding, nausea and diarrhea.  In some cases, this procedure results in a failed abortion.  If so, the doctor will want to surgically extract the fetus.