The World Health Organization has defined “Medical Termination of Pregnancy: MTP” as an effective method to end a pregnancy without the need for other surgical procedures, such as vacuum aspiration or dilation and curettage, to achieve a complete abortion.
Medical termination of pregnancy using Mifepristone, commonly known as RU486, in combination with Misoprostol, in women with a gestational age of no more than 49 days or 7 weeks, has been implemented in over 40 countries worldwide, including the European Union, the United States, and several countries in Asia.
Mifepristone works by inhibiting the hormone progesterone, causing changes in the uterine lining that make it unsuitable for embryo implantation. It softens and dilates the cervix and increases the sensitivity of the uterine lining to prostaglandins, such as Misoprostol.
Misoprostol is commonly used in conjunction with Mifepristone to soften the cervix, increase contractions, and facilitate the expulsion of the embryo from the uterus. It is an effective, safe, and inexpensive medication that is widely used.
The World Health Organization recommends the use of these two medications together to terminate pregnancies of up to 63 days gestation. This involves taking one 200 mg tablet of Mifepristone, followed by 24–48 hours later, using four 200 mcg tablets of Misoprostol, either inserted vaginally, taken sublingually, or placed in the buccal cavity.