Chemical abortion - Definition

A chemical abortion is a type of abortion in which a drug is used to induce the abortion, rather than a surgical procedure. Chemical abortions occur after the embryo has implanted itself in the uterus. The implantation in the uterus is when a fertilized egg becomes a pregnancy. The most common drug, called RU-486, blocks progesterone, which is a hormone required for a pregnancy to continue. Administered correctly, it has a high rate of success. Advocates of chemical abortion claim that it is easier emotionally for the women and that it is safe. However, some critics believe that chemical abortions are unsafe, and might even cause death. While available in most European countries, chemical abortion has met great controversy in Canada and the United States.

It is currently possible to get RU486 (the most common drug used in combination with prostaglandin to have a chemical abortion with) in 60 clinics/centers in the United States. If you do not live where it is generally available it is possible to order it or get information but the cost is very high ($450 US).

Clinical trials of RU486 are currently being done in Canada in the cities of Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax and St. John's Newfoundland. Chemical abortions are not otherwise available in Canada and the drug can not be imported for personal use.

While there have been many rumours about the dangers of Chemical abortions the statistics on them show them to be quite safe. The last set of statistics were during a period when a particular prostaglandin was still in use that was found to increase the risk of using RU486. However even then the risks of a chemical abortion were similar to a vacuum abortion (both have a rate of death of 1: 200,000). It should be kept in mind that the risk of death from child birth is 1: 14,300.