Mifepristone is primarily used in medical settings for the termination of early pregnancies, typically up to 10 weeks gestation. It works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for maintaining a pregnancy, leading to the detachment of the embryo from the uterine lining. It is often used in combination with misoprostol, which induces contractions to expel the pregnancy tissue.

Additionally, mifepristone is utilized in the management of Cushing's syndrome, a condition caused by excessive cortisol levels. It helps by blocking the effects of cortisol, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with the syndrome.

In some cases, it is also investigated for its potential in treating certain types of cancer and mental health disorders, such as depression and psychosis, due to its ability to modulate hormone activity.