RU 486 is a technique that uses two powerful synthetic hormones to cause an abortion during the fifth to ninth week of pregnancy. This procedure requires at least three office visits. First a physical exam is used to determine whether the woman is a suitable candidate for this method, with no smoking, asthma, high blood pressure, obesity, or heart conditions, before she is allowed to take the RU 486 pills. (7) The hormone blocks the action of progesterone, causing the nutrient lining of the uterus to disintegrate, and starving the baby.

Thirty-six to 48 hours later, the woman returns to the abortion clinic and is given artificial prostaglandins to cause her to go into labor. Most women will deliver during the four-hour waiting period at the clinic, but 30% go home and deliver up to 5 days later. (8) Two weeks later, the woman must return to see if the abortion has been successful, or if she is one of the 5-10% of cases in which a surgical procedure must now be used. (9)