The abortion pill has existed in some form since around the 1940s, but the current form of the abortion pill came onto the scene in France in the 1980s.
“Misoprostol has been around for a little while, but mifepristone was developed in France in the 1990s. It was banned by the United States FDA around 1988/1989, but then in 2000, the ban was lifted and it was able to be sent to the United States.” —Nurse Lauren, Pregnancy Has Entered the Chat
Mifepristone, known colloquially as RU-486, cuts off the hormone progesterone to the uterus and ends the pregnancy. Misoprostol is the second drug taken in the abortion pill. Commonly known as Cytotec, it was originally a medication used to prevent stomach ulcers and is now commonly used during the abortion pill regimen. Cytotec ripens the cervix and expels pregnancy tissue.
Want to learn more about the abortion pill?
👉 How does the abortion pill work?
👉 Why get an ultrasound before the abortion pill?
Chat with a nurse online right now to learn more about your options, or make an appointment.