Though it is uncommon, a chemical abortion is sometimes unsuccessful. Success rates decline about eighty percent in the ninth week of pregnancy. When the chemical abortion does not work, surgical abortion is then needed to carry out the procedure. Surgical abortion is a more common method that is performed by manual vacuum aspiration. Manual vacuum aspiration is when the embryo is removed by using a manual syringe.

The most common drug, called mifepristone (RU-486), blocks progesterone, which is a hormone required for a pregnancy to continue. Administered correctly, it has a high rate of success. Advocates of chemical abortion claim that it is easier emotionally for the women and that it is safe. However, some critics believe that chemical abortions are unsafe, and might even cause death. While available in most European countries, chemical abortion has met great controversy in Canada and the United States.

When a women comes to the decision to have a medical abortion there are a few different places this procedure can be performed. In the US, the patient can either call a women’s health care center, a private clinician, or a Planned Parenthood clinic. The cost for medical abortion can depend on a few factors; as there are a number of multiple tests and exams that are given, in the USA the price can range from about $350 to $575. The cost can vary either up or down depending on whether the patient needs further testing and additional tests. Further, mifepristone, misoprostol, and methotrexate are giving pregnant women a new alternative to abortion.

Mifepristone was first licensed in France in 1988. After this medication was licensed in France, medical abortion has been approved in nearly thirty countries. These countries include Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, Great Britain, Israel, Norway, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, and Taiwan. In 1993 President Clinton signed an executive order to encourage testing, licensing, and manufacturing of mifepristone in the United States. Finally in 2000 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of mifepristone to be used for medical abortion in the United States.

It is currently possible to get mifepristone (the most common drug used in combination with prostaglandin to have a chemical abortion with) in 60 clinics/centers in the United States. If you do not live where it is generally available it is possible to order it or get information but the cost is very high (US$450).

Clinical trials of RU486 are currently being done in Canada in the cities of Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax and St. John's Newfoundland. Chemical abortions are not otherwise available in Canada and the drug can not be imported for personal use.

While there have been many rumours about the dangers of chemical abortions the statistics on them show them to be quite safe. There have been 6 deaths due to chemical abortion since it became used commonly in 1991. The risks of a chemical abortion are similar to a vacuum abortion (both have a rate of death of 1: 200,000). The risk of death from childbirth is 1: 14,300.