Women in Australia now have more time to access early medical abortion, and a new approved option for managing missed miscarriage, after the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) extended the approved use of MS-2 Step (mifepristone and misoprostol) from today.
MS-2 Step is now approved for early medical abortion up to 70 days (10 weeks) of pregnancy, up from 63 days, and for the first time for the medical management of missed miscarriage up to 70 days.
MS Health, the not-for-profit Australian sponsor of MS-2 Step, and RANZCOG have welcomed the decision.
“This decision aligns the approved use with RANZCOG’s Clinical Guideline for Abortion Care, and with practice in comparable countries,” said RANZCOG President Dr Nisha Khot. “A registered medical option, with approved prescribing information, gives clinicians clear guidance and gives women greater choice in their care.”
A missed miscarriage occurs when a pregnancy has stopped developing but the tissue has not passed. Around one in four confirmed pregnancies ends in miscarriage.
MSI Australia and MS Health CEO Adurty Rao said the extra week would make a real difference.
“An extra week gives women more time to get care close to home and means fewer will need surgical care simply because they’ve passed nine weeks,” Ms Rao said. “That matters most for women who already face the biggest barriers.”
PBS subsidy is a separate process. The PBAC has recommended listing for medical abortion up to 70 days, and will consider the miscarriage indication in November 2026.
“PBS listing is what makes this care affordable,” Ms Rao said.
MS Health and RANZCOG thank the clinicians, researchers and organisations whose evidence informed this decision, including the SPHERE Coalition and the Early Pregnancy Loss Coalition.
Support
If this statement raises concerns for you, support after miscarriage is available from Red Nose Grief and Loss on 1300 308 307 (24 hours). Information about pregnancy options is available from MSI Australia on 1300 003 707.
Read the full media release here
