Decision could cut 'abortion pill' from $350 to $12 Subsidising could cut drug cost to as little as $12. The federal government's Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee will release its recommendations on the "abortion drug" RU486 on Friday, including whether it should be subsidised by taxpayers. Presently, it costs between $250 and $350. Subsidising could cut this cost to as little as $12. Last year, the Therapeutic Goods Administration approved an application to import RU486 (mifepristone) by MS Health, a not-for-profit subsidiary of the reproductive health group Marie Stopes International. The decision was widely praised. If the committee recommends the drug be subsidised when it releases its report at 4pm, federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek will decide whether to register it under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Ms Plibersek has in the past indicated her support at making the drug more widely available.