Mifepristone (RU-486) use as pre-implantation/emergency birth control
The post-implantation use of RU-486 is well documented. The subsequent extension of this drug's use to the pre-implantation stage of human embryonic life is a further regrettable pharmaceutical development.
When deployed as yet another variant in the 'morning-after' pharmaceutical armamentarium, mifepristone, can be administered within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse. One international study reported that irrespective of the dose administered, i.e., 600mg, 50mg or 10mg 120 hours post intercourse, an average of 85% of otherwise expected pregnancies were aborted. (1)
(1) von Hertzen H, Van Look PFA. Comparison of three single doses of mifepristone as emergency contraception: a randomized trail. Lancet. 1999; 353:697-702
