by 
The Curious Bag
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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: FDA Approval
Planned Parenthood says the "abortion pill"---the drug mifepristone, also known as RU-486---is up to 97 percent effective when used early in pregnancy. The drug has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in terminating a pregnancy within 49 days of the beginning of the last menstrual period.
On the Other: Questions about Risks
Anti-abortion organizations such as the National Right to Life Committee say that mifepristone can cause severe side effects, and that supporters of the drug's use minimize these dangers in order to pass it off as a safer alternative to a surgical abortion. A 2007 study in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that the abortion pills risks were no greater than those of surgical abortion.
Bottom Line
The abortion pill does work, but women who use it should discuss the risks with their doctor. Opponents of the use of mifepristone generally point to the morality of its use or the potential side effects. They don't dispute that the pill does in fact produce abortions---indeed, that's the basis of the objections.
Source:
Planned Parenthood: The Abortion Pill
National Right to Life Committee: Mifepristone
Time: Study Finds Abortion Pill Safe
Resource:
FDA: Mifepristone Medication Guide
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