Mifepristone (known as RU-486 in Europe) has been around for over a decade and used by European women as an alternative to surgical abortion in early pregnancy. It has now been approved by FDA for sale in the USA. It will be avilable as Mifeprex.
Gloria Feldt, president of Planned Parenthood Inc said,"Mifepristone, or the early-abortion pill, is as significant a technological advance for women's health as the birth-control pill was 40 years ago, It will enable them, if they choose to terminate a pregnancy, to do that earlier (and) to do it without surgery. For many women, that is a very positive thing.""The approval of mifepristone is the result of the FDA's careful evaluation of the scientific evidence related to the safe and effective use of this drug," said Dr. Jane Henney, commissioner of food and drugs. "The FDA's review and approval of this drug has adhered strictly to our legal mandate and mission as a science-based public health regulatory agency."
