abortifacients

Abortifacients are substances that terminate a pregnancy by interfering with hormonal support of the pregnancy, provoking uterine contractions, or otherwise expelling the gestational contents. They are used primarily in early pregnancy and are typically administered under medical supervision.

Pharmacological abortifacients include antiprogestins such as mifepristone, which blocks the action of progesterone, a hormone essential for maintaining pregnancy. When followed by a prostaglandin such as misoprostol, the combination induces uterine contractions and cervical ripening, leading to abortion. Misoprostol alone is also used in some regimens to terminate early pregnancies where mifepristone is unavailable or contraindicated. In some settings, methotrexate, a folate antagonist, has been used in combination with misoprostol, particularly in the first trimester, though its use varies by region and practice.

Nonpharmacologic methods of abortion, such as surgical procedures (for example suction aspiration or dilation and evacuation), are distinct from pharmacologic abortifacients, as they involve mechanical removal of intrauterine contents rather than a chemical induction of abortion.

Safety and effectiveness depend on factors including gestational age, patient health, and access to appropriate medical supervision. Potential side effects include bleeding, cramping, nausea, and infection; incomplete abortion and the need for follow-up care are possible outcomes.

Regulation and access to abortifacients vary widely by country and region, reflecting differing legal, ethical, and medical considerations. In many places, they are available only through licensed healthcare providers and require counseling and informed consent. See also: abortion, reproductive rights, misoprostol, mifepristone.