Newly developed protocols using methotrexate and misoprostol are more than 90 percent effective in terminating pregnancies of less than seven weeks of gestation. Major side effects include cramping and bleeding. In a significant minority of women, the abortion is completed only after a prolonged wait. Nonetheless, abortions completed with methotrexate and misoprostol have been well tolerated and acceptable to patients. Mifepristone (formerly called RU 486) will soon be available in the United States. When used with misoprostol, mifepristone successfully terminates 94 to 99 percent of early pregnancies.