Today most abortions are performed using abortion pills. These are called early medical abortions although the word “medical” is misleading as this suggests a procedure that is beneficial to health. Abortion ends a human life and carries some risks for the mother as well.

Abortion pills can be taken up to 10 weeks’ gestation. The first drug used is Mifepristone (RU 486), which normally ends the life of the unborn baby. 24-48 hours later, a second drug, Misoprostol, is administered which expels the dead baby.

In 2021, 99% of abortions in Scotland were performed using abortion drugs. Of these, 53% were abortions where both drugs were taken at home. In 29% of cases, the second drug only was taken at home and 18% were carried out in a clinic.

In 2021, so-called “medical” abortions accounted for 87% of total abortions in England and Wales. In 52% of all abortions in England and Wales women self-administered both pills at home.