The inclusion of controversial abortion drug RU-486 on Australia's subsidised medication program has been attacked as an ''abuse of power'' by anti-abortion activists.

Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek announced on Sunday that mifepristone and misoprostol - used in combination to terminate a pregnancy of up to seven weeks gestation - would be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

More choice: Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said subsidised abortion drugs would help women. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

''By offering this different option at a very difficult time in a woman's life, I hope that we are giving more choice in what are often extraordinary difficult circumstances,'' Ms Plibersek said.

Cancer treatments and an anti-stroke medication were also named as newcomers to the PBS.