$12 abortions possible within weeks as drug subsidy recommended Ready in a few weeks: Abortion drug RU486. The abortion drug RU486 could be available within weeks for as little as $12 after the federal government's expert advisory body recommended that it be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, made up of medical experts and health economists, recommended listing mifepristone and misoprostol - the two drugs known together as RU486 - for termination of a pregnancy of up to 49 days' gestation. The committee found the effectiveness of the drugs was similar to that of surgical termination, but was less costly. Health Minister Tanya Plibersek welcomed the committee's recommendation, noting the drug was on the World Health Organisation's list of essential medicines and had been used successfully by tens of millions of women around the world. She said the committee's recommendation was only a "first step" in listing the drug, but added she expected it to be listed "sooner rather than later." I would expect this process to take a few weeks. I would expect that a decision would be made before the election," she said. Ms Plibersek said her department would need to ensure there was a steady and good quality supply of the drug and reach agreement on price before the government decided whether to list it. If it was listed on the PBS, women would pay $36.10 for each of the two pills, while those with concessions would pay only $5.90 per pill. Currently, the drugs cost between $250 and $350, while surgical abortion generally costs between $300 and $500. Ms Plibersek said listing the drugs would provide greater choice to women who could not afford abortion or who lived in country areas. "Some women are travelling a day or two by bus and having to find money for overnight accommodation in a city," she said. If the drug is listed I would hope it would make an extremely difficult time in a woman's life a little bit easier. Asked about the drug before the committee's recommendation was made public, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said he would accept the committee's advice. Ms Plibersek she did not expect the listing of the drugs to lead to more abortions, but overseas experience suggested many women had chosen medical termination over surgical abortion. She said the drugs caused strong cramping and heavy bleeding, but women who had used the drugs overseas reported appreciating the ability to take the second pill in the privacy of their own home, with the support of family. The drugs usually cause miscarriage within 24 hours.