Protection of RU-486 as contraception, emergency contraception and as an abortifacient under the law of contraception.

RU-486, or mifepristone, can work as a contraceptive, as an emergency contraceptive, or as an abortifacient. It has the potential to dramatically increase the privacy of procreative choice. For this to happen, RU-486 must fall under the protection of contraception law rather than the law of abortion. Contraception law constitutionally guarantees access to contraception, including emergency contraception. RU-486, because of its many uses, blurs the line between contraception and abortion. Used within the first nine weeks of pregnancy, RU-486 offers a safe and more private alternative to surgical abortion. Although it has received FDA approval, RU-486 has unresolved legal status in this country. The law needs to embrace this new technology and protect women's access to it under the law of contraception. Without such protection, RU-486 may not be available to women, thereby limiting women's privacy and liberty interests regarding procreative choice.