PIP: In 1996, an application was submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration for the use of mifepristone (RU-486) plus the prostaglandin misoprostol in medical abortion. Over 100,000 women in more than 20 countries have received this regimen, which results in pregnancy termination in 92.7-99.0% of treated women. This article presents state-of-the-art information on medical abortion. Reviewed are its pharmacokinetics and metabolism, mechanism of action, and history of use. The article outlines a standard protocol that includes RU-486 administration at the first visit (day 1), misoprostol administration at the second visit (day 3), and post-treatment examination at the third visit (days 14-20) and suggests counseling guidelines. It discusses the contraindications and potential complications of abortifacient agents. Finally, the article compares the experience in the US and Europe of medical versus surgical abortion in terms of effectiveness, complications, and acceptability.