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What Is a Medical Abortion?
A medical abortion, also called a chemical abortion, is a non-surgical method of terminating pregnancy using pharmaceutical drugs. It involves the sequential administration of medications, typically mifepristone followed by misoprostol, to induce miscarriage and expel the contents of the uterus.
Medications Used
Mifepristone
Mifepristone is a progesterone receptor antagonist that blocks the action of progesterone, leading to the detachment of the embryo from the uterine lining.
Misoprostol
Misoprostol is a prostaglandin analog that stimulates uterine contractions and softens the cervix, facilitating the expulsion of the fetus.
The Process
- Mifepristone is typically administered first, either orally or in a clinical setting.
- After a designated interval, misoprostol is administered orally, buccally (between the gum and cheek), vaginally, or rectally.
- Misoprostol induces uterine contractions and cervical ripening, similar to a miscarriage.
Online References
Related Terms
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Medical Abortion Defined
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