Mifepristone, also known as RU-486, is a medication used for medical abortion (termination of pregnancy). It is a synthetic steroid that blocks the action of progesterone, a hormone necessary for the maintenance of pregnancy. By blocking progesterone, mifepristone causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
Mifepristone is typically used in combination with another medication called misoprostol to induce a medical abortion. The two medications are usually taken in sequence, with mifepristone taken first and misoprostol taken one to two days later.
Mifepristone is only available by prescription and must be administered under medical supervision. It is generally considered safe and effective when used as directed, but it can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, cramping, and bleeding. It is important for women who are considering a medical abortion to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with a qualified healthcare provider.
The Comstock Act
Some judges and political activists are trying to make it illegal to send medications across state lines, restoring the since repealed and antiquated Comstock Act.
The Comstock Act was a federal law passed by the United States Congress in 1873 that was named after its chief sponsor, Anthony Comstock. The law was designed to restrict the circulation of materials that were considered obscene or immoral, particularly those related to birth control and abortion.
The Comstock Act made it illegal to send through the mail any "obscene, lewd, or lascivious" materials, including pornography, birth control information, and other materials related to sexual health. The law also made it a crime to advertise or sell any contraceptive devices, including condoms and diaphragms.
The Comstock Act was controversial at the time of its passage, and it was the subject of significant opposition from women's rights advocates and others who believed that it infringed on individual liberties and restricted access to important healthcare information. The law remained in effect until the mid-20th century, when it was gradually repealed or struck down by the courts.
