Mifepristone (RU 486) in the United States -- What Does the Future Hold?

Rarely has an important scientific advance been the subject of as much political, ideological, and social controversy as mifepristone (RU 486). The development of a safe and effective antiprogestin compound had been the goal of researchers in the field of reproductive biology for decades. The pioneering work of scientists at Roussel-UCLAF in France led to the approval of mifepristone by the French Ministry of Solidarity, Health, and Social Welfare in September 19881,2. The use of mifepristone, coupled with a prostaglandin and administered within 49 days of the last menstrual period, produces a complete abortion in approximately 95 percent . . .