Induction of abortion in early pregnancy with mifepristone

Seventy women requesting first trimester abortion and with amenorrhea of less than 42 days were treated with a single 600-mg dose of mifepristone. Mifepristone is a synthetic 19-norsteroid with strong progesterone receptor antagonist properties. Complete abortion was achieved in 56 women (80%), 2 women (3%) had an incomplete abortion and 12 women (17%) had a continuing pregnancy. No relationship between rate of success and gestational age could be demonstrated. There was no serious side effects and the treatment was favorably received by the women concerned. It is concluded that this treatment is a safe and very acceptable alternative to vacuum aspiration for termination of early pregnancy.