ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, July 20, 1996 TAG: 9607220069
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-2 EDITION: METRO
The abortion pill blocks the action of progesterone, a hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and is essential to maintain a pregnancy.
Two days after women take the abortion pill, they take two tablets of a prostaglandin, which causes the uterus to contract. Within four hours, about 70 percent have a miscarriage. Others miscarry a short time later.
The combination fails to work in about 4 percent of women, who must then undergo a surgical abortion.
Its side effects include heavy bleeding and cramps.
According to the Population Council, the advantages of the abortion pill over surgical abortion, include:
It requires no surgery or general anesthesia.
It can be used with greater privacy.
Some women believe it gives them more control over their bodies.
The advantages of surgical abortion include:
It requires fewer office visits and is over more quickly. (The abortion pill requires three visits for administration and follow-up.)
The loss of blood is less noticeable than with RU-486.
- Associated Press
LENGTH: Short : 36 linesby CNB