Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa will soon take part in a nationwide study of the drugs methotrexate and misoprostol, two substances that can be used in combination for early abortions.

Published reports have shown that when used in combination, the two drugs are about 88 to 94 percent effective in terminating pregnancies when it has been 49 days or less from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period.

The study will give 3,000 women nationwide access to the drugs.

Participation is voluntary, requires informed consent and will be limited to only those women for whom it is deemed medically appropriate, said Debra Steilen, director of communications for Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa.

The Des Moines Planned Parenthood center will be be the only center in the state participating in the study.

Pro-choice supporters say the drug-induced abortion is a “medical procedure.”

Pro-lifers have a different view. Adri Ruisch, director of Heartland Bethany Christian Services, said she makes no distinction between surgical and medical abortions. “Our position is pro-life. A child should be given the opportunity to reach its full potential, and to achieve that they need the right to life,” Ruisch said.

Ruisch said Des Moines’ Bethany Christian Services counsels people on three options: marriage, being a single parent and adoption.

The cost of the new procedure is $350, which is equivalent to the cost of a surgical abortion that is done within the first seven weeks of pregnancy.

To participate in the study a woman must be at least 18 years old, or if she is between the ages of 15 and 17, she must have the written consent of her parents or guardians.

Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa’s records show that during 1995, more than 19,000 people between the ages of 18 and 24 came to its centers. Records also show that the highest number of abortions are provided for women between 20 and 24-years old.

Methotrexate is given as an injection. In early pregnancy it works by stopping the development of the embryo by preventing cells from multiplying and dividing. Misoprostol, in the form of pills, are then inserted into the vagina five to seven days after the injection of methotrexate. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the fetus.

Both drugs have been approved by the FDA for other purposes for many years.

The minimum amount of time from the injection to the passing of the fetus tissue is six to eight days. Many women take two weeks or longer. If the woman has not passed the the fetus within a month, she must have a surgical abortion.

“Women say it feels like their body is doing the work. They feel more in control,” Steilen said.

But, Steilen said, the new procedure is far from quick and easy.

Women who have used the drugs to induce abortion say it feels like a miscarriage, Steilen said. At the time the abortion actually happens, there may be heavy bleeding and strong cramps that last for several hours.