The efficacy, safety and outcome of prostaglandin (PG)E2 was compared with Foley catheter for labour induction in grand multiparous women. At a hospital in Jordan, 147 women with Bishop score < or = 5 were randomized to receive 3 mg PGE2 vaginal tablets (n = 75) or 50 mL intracervical Foley catheter (n = 72). The change in Bishop score was significantly higher in the PGE2 group than the catheter group, and time from induction to delivery was significantly shorter in the PGE2 group. Significantly more women needed oxytocin for labour augmentation in the catheter than the PGE2 group and fetal distress was significantly more frequent. For grand multiparas, PGE2 vaginal tablets may be preferable for ripening the cervix as well as for labour induction.