What medications are used in medication abortion?

• A. Methotrexate and Misoprostol
• B. Misoprostol alone
• C. Progesterone and Estrogen
• D. Mifepristone and Misoprostol

Answer: (D)

Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone the pregnancy relies on to maintain the lining of the uterus. By stopping progesterone’s action, the pregnancy can no longer be sustained, setting the stage for expulsion. Misoprostol then induces strong uterine contractions to complete the abortion. This two-drug approach is the standard medical abortion regimen because it is highly effective for early pregnancy and has clear safety and follow-up guidelines. Misoprostol alone can be used if mifepristone isn’t available, but it’s typically less effective. Other regimens, like methotrexate with misoprostol, exist in some settings but are not the primary first-line choice, and progesterone with estrogen would not terminate a pregnancy.