When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, it’s crucial to understand your options. Not only should you know what your options are, but also what each option entails. When it comes to abortion, one of the most common—and increasingly prevalent—methods today is the abortion pill (also called medication abortion, chemical abortion, or medical abortion), which now accounts for approximately two-thirds of all abortions.

What is the abortion pill? How does it work? How safe is it?

It’s essential to make informed choices about your reproductive health. If you’re considering the abortion pill, you should have answers to any and all questions. We will break down the facts about the abortion pill, how it works, what to expect, and why accurate information matters.

What is the Abortion Pill?

The term “abortion pill” refers to a two-step medication process used to terminate an early pregnancy (up to 10 weeks gestation). The process involves two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.

Misoprostol: After taking mifepristone, a second medication called misoprostol is usually taken 24–48 hours later to cause the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue through the vagina. After taking misoprostol, cramping and bleeding are to be expected. It’s imperative to follow up with a provider on days 7-14 to ensure the abortion was complete. If the abortion was incomplete, you may require another dose of misoprostol or a surgical procedure.

Mifepristone: The hormone progesterone helps prepare and maintain the lining of the uterus to support a developing embryo. When mifepristone is taken, it binds to the progesterone receptors in the uterus and prevents progesterone from doing its job. As a result, the lining of the uterus breaks down, the pregnancy cannot continue, and the embryo detaches from the uterine wall. This process is the first step in a medical abortion.

How Safe is the Abortion Pill?

Medication abortion has risks that include bacterial infection, sepsis, severe hemorrhage, prolonged heavy bleeding, incomplete abortion, ruptured ectopic pregnancy, ruptured uterus, or allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Due to risks of serious and sometimes fatal infections or bleeding, it is not recommended to obtain abortion pills from an unverified provider or unknown online source. You should also make sure to have follow-up care and access to emergency medical services in case of complications.

One of the best ways to safeguard your reproductive health is by scheduling a pregnancy confirmation ultrasound before your abortion procedure. An ultrasound shows you how far along you are and if there is a viable intrauterine pregnancy.

At Clearway, we offer free pregnancy confirmation ultrasounds, as well as free pregnancy testing and STI testing. During your appointment, your nurse will help you understand the various abortion procedures and answer any questions you have. It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of complications from the abortion pill as well, as you protect your health.

What to Expect During a Medical Abortion

Bleeding is a normal part of the medication abortion process and usually lasts anywhere from 9 to 16 days. Most people experience the heaviest bleeding for about two days, often accompanied by strong cramping that can be more intense than a typical period. Along with bleeding and cramps, it’s also common to deal with side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, chills or fever, and an overall feeling of weakness.

Something important to be aware of—especially after 8 weeks of pregnancy—is that the fetus may be visible when passed. For many, this can be an emotionally jarring or even traumatic moment, particularly if they weren’t prepared for it. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can make a huge difference in processing the experience both physically and emotionally.

It’s essential to schedule an in-person follow up after your abortion, to ensure the abortion was completed and you aren’t experiencing complications.

Myths and Facts About the Abortion Pill

Myth: The abortion pill is the same as emergency contraception.

Fact: Emergency contraception delays ovulation in an attempt to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, while the abortion pill ends an existing pregnancy.

Myth: I don’t need an ultrasound before my abortion.

Fact: An ultrasound protects your reproductive health by determining essential information about your pregnancy.

Myth: It’s safe to order the abortion pill online and take it at home unsupervised.

Fact: The safest option is to receive medical supervision and have access to emergency care when it comes to medication abortion.

Myth: I don’t need medical follow-up after my abortion.

Fact: A follow-up appointment with your provider is essential to confirm the abortion was complete and you are not experiencing any complications. 

Why Accurate Information Matters

Misinformation about the abortion pill can put your health at risk. Medication abortion has a higher complication rate than surgical abortion. If you take mifepristone and misoprostol past the FDA-approved 10 weeks gestation, you put yourself at a higher risk of incomplete abortion and infection. Always seek information from reputable sources and consult with qualified healthcare professionals. Knowing the facts empowers you to make the best decision for your health and future.

Emotional Support After Abortion

After an abortion, it’s common to feel a mix of emotions. Sometimes, the immediate feeling is relief, but later on, emotions such as anger, regret, or grief may surface. Emotions are complex, and they often evolve with time. According to Support After Abortion, 75% of people desire some type of support after an abortion experience. On their website, they describe Abortion Healing as follows: 

“Abortion healing is the process of working through your emotions, grieving your losses, sharing your story, and finding freedom from making future decisions out of fear and trauma.

Abortions can be difficult to talk about, and finding the right support for you is key to achieving hope, peace, and healing to restore your well-being.”

At Clearway Clinic, we offer various abortion healing support programs. Every month, we offer a drop-in grief support group for anyone who has experienced abortion. This group is free, virtual, and requires no commitment to a program to join. If you’re experiencing grief and would like a place to receive support and learn more, fill out this interest form and someone will reach out to you.

If you’re interested in more comprehensive healing programs, we offer faith-based group classes for both women and men. Email clearpast@clearwayclinic.com for more information. 

The Abortion Pill: A Summary 

If you are considering the abortion pill, take steps to protect your reproductive health. These include a pregnancy confirmation ultrasound, STI test, and informed consent. 

An ultrasound shows the gestational age of your pregnancy, which is essential information to determine your eligibility for medical abortion. It also shows if there is an intrauterine pregnancy. (If there’s not, you may be experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate emergency care.) 

An STI test is essential because having an abortion with an untreated STI can increase your risk of infection. Get tested and treated for any positive STIs before an abortion.

Lastly, informed consent ensures that you know how the abortion procedure works, potential risks, side effects, and alternatives, and have all your questions answered. Informed consent ensures that your decision is an empowered one. 

At Clearway Clinic, we provide free ultrasounds, STI testing, and pregnancy testing. We also offer prenatal education classes and after-abortion grief support. Contact us to schedule your free consultation today. 

Reviewed by Deana G., BSN, RN

Please Note: We do not provide, prescribe, or refer for abortions.