In 2021, more than 51% of all abortion procedures in Michigan were medical abortions (RU-486).

With a medical abortion, a pregnant woman takes the first pill (mifepristone) to block progesterone, which maintains the nutrient-rich lining of the uterus. The developing baby dies as the lining of the uterus disintegrates. Between 24 and 48 hours later, the woman takes a second pill (misoprostol), an ulcer medication, to produce powerful contractions that expel the dead baby from the womb.

From September 1994 to September 1995, clinical trials were conducted on 2,121 women at 17 abortion facilities. The trials found that bleeding and cramping were frequent side effects; 56 women needed surgical intervention for excessive bleeding; 4 women received blood transfusions; the average duration of bleeding was 13 days; and 8% of the women did not abort with the medication and were encouraged to have a surgical abortion.

On September 28, 2000, the Clinton Administration’s FDA approved RU-486 as a method of abortion.

In 2008, Planned Parenthood clinics in Iowa developed webcam abortions. The doctor sits in an office, talks with the patient via webcam, and then presses a button to remotely open a drawer containing RU-486. Michigan banned telemedicine abortions in 2012, but Governor Rick Snyder allowed that law to expire at the end of 2018.

On March 30, 2016, the FDA altered its guidelines for using RU-486. The new guidelines extended the time the drugs could be taken from 49 days to 70 days, reduced the number of visits to the abortion provider from 3 to 2, and allowed for non-physicians to provide chemical abortions.

In 2021, the Biden Administration’s FDA issued emergency rules allowing RU-486 to be shipped through the mail. This rule was made permanent on December 16, 2021.

On January 3, 2023, the FDA allowed retail drug stores to dispense mifepristone. Pregnant women only need a prescription from a health-care provider to obtain this dangerous drug for a do-it-yourself abortion.

As of June 30, 2022, at least 28 women have died after taking RU-486.

Below is a list of pharmacies in the Grand Rapids area that do not sell mifepristone.

D&W Fresh Market Pharmacy
2181 Wealthy Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

D&W Fresh Market Pharmacy
2022 Apple Orchard Drive NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Family Fare Pharmacies
Grand Rapids

Kay Pharmacy
2178 Plainfield Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Keystone Compounding Pharmacy
4021 Cascade Road SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

My Trinity Health Pharmacy
Grand Rapids

Pharmacy Care & Gifts
4652 North M-37 Highway
Middleville, MI  49333