What is the primary medication used for medical abortion?

The primary medication used for medical abortion is mifepristone. Mifepristone acts as an antagonist to the progesterone receptor, which is crucial for maintaining pregnancy. By blocking progesterone, mifepristone effectively leads to the breakdown of the uterine lining and detachment of the implanted embryo, which initiates the process of abortion.

Typically, mifepristone is used in combination with misoprostol, which is given subsequently to help expel the contents of the uterus. While methotrexate is also used in some abortion protocols, particularly in cases of ectopic pregnancies, it does not have the same primary role as mifepristone in elective medical abortions. Levonorgestrel, on the other hand, is primarily an emergency contraceptive and does not terminate an established pregnancy.

Thus, the role of mifepristone as the first-line agent in the medical abortion regimen highlights its importance in effectively managing the process.