What Is the Abortion Pill?

When faced with an unintended pregnancy (which is almost half of pregnancies in the US), women will face mixed emotions. Some will experience joy while others will experience anxiety, fear, and confusion.

Upon confirming that they are pregnant, the next question that comes is “What are my options?”

At this stage, many women will consider a medication abortion, which is an early procedure and is not usually prescribed any later than 70 days (10 weeks) gestation. In 2020, medication abortion accounted for 54% of US abortions.

How Does It Work?

The abortion pill is often confused with the Plan B or “morning after” pill. The abortion pill is what is used after the pregnancy has been confirmed, while the morning after pill is used following unprotected sex that might lead to a pregnancy, as it seeks to keep any fertilized embryo from implanting in the uterine wall. The morning after pill is not intended for use as birth control.

The abortion pill is a series of two medications taken in the form of pills. The first is mifepristone, which prevents the placenta and uterus from receiving progesterone and “stalls” the pregnancy from progressing.

Within 48 hours, the second medication, misoprostol, is taken. This forces the uterus to contract so it will empty the uterus of the pregnancy and uterine lining. 

For a full overview of at-home abortions, visit https://www.athomeabortionfacts.com/. If you’ve taken the first dose of abortion pills and have changed your mind about completing the second dose, read about your options at https://www.abortionpillreversal.com/. 

Is the Abortion Pill Painful?

Experiences vary and depend on the individual, although not much pain is reported after the first pill (although nausea or bleeding is not unusual). The most discomfort usually occurs after the second pill, misoprostol, when the more common complaints are intense cramping, stomach pain and diarrhea.  

Are There Risks?

Any medical procedure will always pose a type of risk. Here is a list of potential side-effects by the Mayo Clinic: 

• Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
• An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

Additionally, medication abortions should be avoided if you have any of the following pre-existing conditions which pose an additional risk:

• An intrauterine device (IUD)
• Allergies to the medications used in the medical abortion
• Heart, blood vessel, liver, kidney, or lung diseases
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Use of blood thinners or steroid medications

What Should I Do Before Taking the Abortion Pill?

You’ll first need to verify the status of your pregnancy (to see if you even qualify for a medication abortion). You can schedule a free nurse consultation at our clinic, which could lead to pregnancy testing and a limited OB ultrasound if necessary. All our services are at no cost to you. 

Our staff will walk you through all your options following the results of your pregnancy test. We are here to help you regardless of your situation or how you became pregnant. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counseling and/or medical advice.