More scientific information:
Medical abortion was first offered for terminating pregnancies in the early first trimester (some regulations required pregnancies to be seven weeks or less, and others required nine weeks or less). It has now been shown to be effective through the first trimester (12 weeks) and has been successfully used during the second trimester 13 . In 2004, “The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists evidence-based clinical guidelines stated that the medical regimen using Mifepristone in combination with Misoprostol would be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for women undergoing abortion at 9-13 weeks’ gestation 20 .
After 9 weeks, women who have medical abortions have a higher risk of complications. The 9 week limit is also supported by other health professionals worldwide. An official statement issued at an international conference on medical abortion in 2004 said, “For abortions up to nine weeks, the pills can be provided through primary health care services and women can safely use the method at home or in a clinical setting, according to their own preferences and personal circumstances. Medical abortion after nine weeks and in the second trimester can be carried out in a health centre or hospital 4 .
