Abortion pill mifepristone: An explainer and research roundup about its history, safety and future
Medication abortion is also known as abortion with pills or medical abortion. This piece aims to help inform the narrative on medication abortion with scientific evidence, especially as it’s important for journalists covering abortion to have a good understanding of medication abortion so that they can better inform their audiences. Mifepristone is a medication that’s used for the safe termination of early pregnancy.
Medical Guidelines and Endorsements
The Food and Drug Administration has approved medication abortion for up to 10 weeks of pregnancy and the World Health Organization authorizes its use for up to 12 weeks. It is endorsed by several organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association. According to the provided research material, the following standards apply:
- FDA Approval: Up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.
- World Health Organization Authorization: Up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.
- Extended Use: Medication abortion can also be used beyond 12 weeks of pregnancy, according to several organizations including the World Health Organization and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
Medication abortions accounted for 51% of all abortions, making it the leading abortion method in the U.S.
Legal Landscape and Supreme Court Rulings
On June 13, the Supreme Court justices in a unanimous decision preserved access to mifepristone, writing that “federal courts are the wrong forum for addressing the plaintiffs’ concerns about FDA’s actions.” The legal future of mifepristone had hung in the balance for several months. Previously, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that mifepristone should not be prescribed past the seventh week of pregnancy, prescribed via telemedicine, or shipped to patients through the mail.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued a statement urging the court to rule in favor of keeping the pill on the market and available to patients. Meanwhile, abortion is on the ballot in four states this year so far, with initiatives that aim to ban, restrict, or expand abortion rights.
Research on Media Coverage and Public Awareness
A recent analysis of more than 1,100 articles finds that while U.S. newspapers are treating the topic of abortion in general and medication abortion access in particular as serious policy issues, they are under-covering medication abortion considering its prevalence. According to the study, published in Sexuality Research and Social Policy in June 2025:
- Less than half of the articles included basic facts on medication abortion.
- Only one in five articles included a personal story of someone seeking abortion.
- Politicians and lawyers were quoted more than healthcare providers.
It remains crucial for journalistic coverage to provide a good understanding of medication abortion so that they can better inform their audiences.