Miso is a safe, effective medication used to end pregnancies. It is one of the most important medicines in the world.
Misoprostol, or “miso” for short, is a medication that has been on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines since 1988. It was originally developed to treat stomach ulcers.
Miso’s use in abortion care emerged through grassroots feminist networks in Brazil and the medication is now widely used in obstetric and gynecological care worldwide.
Misoprostol is sold under many brand names around the world — Cytotec, Arthrotec, Oxaprost, Cyprostol, Prostokos, and Misotrol, and more. In some countries it is available over the counter at pharmacies.
In some places, misoprostol is paired with another drug, mifepristone, to end a pregnancy.
Used together, mifepristone and misoprostol are extremely effective in ending a pregnancy. However, mifepristone is not available everywhere.
When used correctly, misoprostol alone can also successfully end a pregnancy. The World Health Organization endorses using miso-only as a safe and effective abortion option.
Worldwide, the misoprostol-only method remains the backbone of safe abortion access.
Yes. Medication abortion with misoprostol (with or without mifepristone) is very safe. Serious complications are rare — significantly rarer than the risks associated with continuing a pregnancy to term.
Millions of people use these medications safely each year, including in settings outside the medical system.
The hexagons on a football closely correspond to the unique shape of a 6-sided misoprostol pill.
Thank you football fans everywhere for repping safe abortion!
Please note: not all misoprostol pills are 6-sided; some may come in other shapes.
