By Franklin Delgado
Mifepristone, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and used in medical abortion, is under scrutiny in lawsuits questioning its safety.
Anti-abortion advocates argue that not enough study was done before its approval. Despite this, it has the support of numerous medical associations that guarantee its effectiveness and safety.
Meanwhile, mifepristone is taken as part of a medical abortion protocol in combination with misoprostol. This method has been shown to be effective in 99.6% of cases and is used up to 70 days after the first day of the last menstruation.
Associated effects and risks
Side effects of mifepristone are generally mild, such as dizziness and nausea. Serious adverse events are rare, with an incidence rate of less than 0.3%, making it safer than many commonly used medications.
Mifepristone has been approved for use for 23 years and is highly safe according to 12 of the most respected medical associations in the country, says cnnincluding the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association.
Data even show that mifepristone has a significantly low mortality rate compared to other prescription medications, highlighting its safety profile in relation to the use of antibiotics and erectile dysfunction medications.
Arguments against
Some pro-life groups and allied physicians highlight risks such as serious bleeding and hospitalizations.
Experts from the Charlotte Lozier Institute and anti-abortion activists argue that mifepristone leads to serious complications, such as painful contractions, nausea and the need for hospital intervention in a significant percentage of cases. They point out that previous studies (some retracted for errors) supported these concerns, and criticize the FDA for relaxing regulations without sufficient evidence.
All of this occurs in the context where key lawsuits have arisen, such as that of the Alliance for Hippocratic Medication in Texas, which questions the FDA approval, but the Supreme Court refused to reverse it in 2024, maintaining its access. Republican judges and prosecutors have pushed for restrictions, but higher courts have overturned parts of initial rulings.
Alternatives and future of medicated abortion
Even as legal issues arise regarding mifepristone, misoprostol remains a viable option for abortion.
The combination of both medications is considered more effective, but misoprostol alone has also been shown to be safe and effective, although it requires higher doses.
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