Novel 17.alpha.-aryl-steroids of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is alkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms and acyl of an organic carboxylic acid of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, R.sub.3 is aryl of 6 to 12 carbon atoms optionally substituted with at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of --OH, halogen, alkoxy and alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and --CF.sub.3, the dotted line in the B ring indicating an optional double bond in the 9(10)-position, and A and B are hydrogen and when there is a double bond in the 9(10)-position, A and B form a double bond in the 11(12) position or B is hydrogen and A is an 11.beta.-hydroxy having progestomimetic activity activity without androgenic activity and a process for their preparation and novel intermediates produced therein.