Abortifacient
Abortifacient
Abortifacient (/əˌbɔːrtɪˈfeɪʃ(ə)nt/) is a term used in the field of medicine and pharmacology to describe substances that induce abortion. The term is derived from the Latin words "abortus" which means "abortion" and "faciens" which means "making".
History
The use of abortifacients dates back to ancient times. Various herbs, spices, and other substances were used by different cultures as abortifacients. However, the safety and effectiveness of these early abortifacients were often questionable.
Modern Use
In modern medicine, abortifacients are typically pharmaceutical drugs prescribed by a healthcare provider. These include mifepristone and misoprostol, which are used in combination for medical abortions.
Mechanism of Action
Abortifacients work by disrupting the pregnancy process. Mifepristone, for example, blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract, expelling the pregnancy.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Abortifacient
- Wikipedia's article - Abortifacient
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