The Controversial Use of Misoprostol in Abortion Rulings.

Misoprostol, a drug used in medication abortion, was not affected by a recent federal judge's ruling invalidating the FDA approval of mifepristone, the first drug used in the regimen. Misoprostol can be prescribed on its own to patients seeking abortions in early pregnancy, an option endorsed by the World Health Organization. Misoprostol is safe and effective, but may cause more side effects than the two-drug regimen. While some groups seek to ban misoprostol for abortion, it remains legally available by prescription at retail pharmacies.