FAQ: When during a woman’s pregnancy can medication abortion be used?

 

All three medication abortion regimens can be used safely and effectively throughout early pregnancy. However, all three regimens are most effective when used at earlier gestational ages. 

 

The mifepristone and misoprostol regimen is 95%-98% effective through the first nine weeks of pregnancy. Recent research indicates that mifepristone and misoprostol can be used in the tenth week of pregnancy but with lower efficacy (≈92%). 

 

The methotrexate and misoprostol regimen is highly effective in the first seven weeks of pregnancy (95%) but is less effective after 49 days (82% during the eighth week of pregnancy). 

 

The most recent studies on the use of misoprostol alone suggest efficacy of 75%-85% during the first nine weeks of pregnancy. 

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If you have questions about medication abortion, please visit our frequently asked questions section.