A medical abortion is an abortion where drugs are used to induce the abortion. In the 1970s, such abortions became an option to end the pregnancy during its first trimester. The drugs most often used in 2009 were mifepristone and methotrexate, either alone or in combination with a prostaglandin.
Medical abortion is both safe and effective in many situations. In the United States, the mortality rate for medical abortion is 14 times lower than the mortality rate for childbirth. In the first trimester, the patient can the drugs used for medical abortion can take the drugs safely at home, without assistance. Starting with the second trimester, it is recommended to take the second drug in a clinic or provider's office.