Mifepristone, also known as the abortion pill, is a common method of abortion, making up over half of the abortions done in 2023. It is a hormone blocker that can be used to end a pregnancy. When a woman becomes pregnant, her body will begin to generate progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that thickens the uterine lining, which in turn supports the growth of the embryo. Mifepristone blocks the hormonal support to the uterus, causing the uterine wall to thin and the embryo to stop growing.
Typically, the abortion pill regimen calls for a second drug named misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo. Both of these drugs taken together are called "medication abortion" or "chemical abortion," and are different than the "morning after pill" or "Plan B."
The abortion pill is banned in some states, and in the states where it is legal a prescription is required.