The prostaglandin E 2 derivative Sulprostone was used in the management of intrauterine fetal death and in therapeutic abortion in advanced pregnancy. While with extraamniotic administration there was a success rate of 50 % after 24 hours, the rate of success was 86 % after intramuscular administration. A cervix-ripening effect was not always observed by means of intracervical injection of Sulprostone. Such pre-treatment of the cervix did not improve the induction-abortion time after intramuscular administration of Sulprostone. Side effects were only slight following Sulprostone.