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Everything you’ll need to know, all in one place.
Abortion Pill Information
For information regarding the specifics of both Mifepristone and Misoprostol, start here.
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The abortion pill is a safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy (up to 10 weeks from the start of your last period). It actually involves two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. The first pill, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone, which is essential for a pregnancy to continue. Without progesterone, the pregnancy can’t progress. The second medication, misoprostol, helps your body expel the pregnancy tissue, similar to an early miscarriage. This method is FDA-approved and used by hundreds of thousands of people each year.
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Medication abortion happens in two steps. First, you take mifepristone, which stops the pregnancy from growing by blocking the hormone progesterone. Then, within 24 to 48 hours, you take misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. You might experience cramping and bleeding, often within a few hours. The process usually takes about 12 to 24 hours to complete, and a follow-up with a healthcare provider ensures everything is progressing safely.
What to Expect
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When going in for an abortion appointment, one can expect a series of steps starting with some waiting and paperwork. Then, a consultation will likely take place with a healthcare provider (Note: in California, you can elect not to speak with a counselor, if you would prefer not to), and while the process varies by location, you can expect the following:
- A discussion of your medical history.
- A pregnancy pee or blood test.
- An ultrasound to confirm that the pregnancy is intrauterine (in the uterus), and/or how far along the pregnancy is.
- A discussion with a counselor or healthcare provider about abortion options and procedures, risks and side effects, post-procedure care, and/or birth control.
The appointment will conclude differently depending on the decision you make regarding your pregnancy. You do not have to make a decision that day. In some states, there are laws requiring waiting periods between the day of your consultation and the day you obtain your procedure/medication. In California, however, you can elect to do it the same day as your consultation, if you’d prefer.
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You can access the abortion pill in different ways depending on your location and preferences. Many people get it through a healthcare clinic or abortion provider, where a medical professional will guide you through the process in person.
Alternatively, the abortion pill can also be obtained through reputable telehealth services and websites like Plan C, which connect you with licensed providers who can prescribe the medication and mail it to you.
It’s important to use trusted sources to ensure you receive safe, FDA-approved medication and accurate information. If you’re unsure where to start, organizations like Plan C can help you find reliable options near you or online.
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The abortion pill involves two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol. First, you take mifepristone by mouth, which blocks the hormone progesterone, effectively ending the pregnancy. Then, 24 to 48 hours later, you take misoprostol, usually by placing the tablets between your cheeks and gums (or sometimes under the tongue or in the vagina, depending on guidance). Misoprostol causes cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus.
Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions based on your situation. Always follow the specific guidance given by your provider to ensure your safety and the best outcome for your abortion.
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During a medication abortion, most people experience strong cramping and heavy bleeding after taking the second pill, misoprostol. This is a sign that the medication is working. It can feel like an intense period or early miscarriage, and usually starts within a few hours. Passing blood clots, some up to the size of a golf ball, is normal during the heavy phase of bleeding. This heavy bleeding typically lasts up to 24 hours, but lighter bleeding may continue for a couple of weeks.
You may also experience side effects like nausea, chills, fever, diarrhea, or fatigue. These symptoms usually go away within a day. A heating pad and over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen) can help ease discomfort. Ask your provider when and how to take pain medications for the best effect - many people take them 30 minutes before misoprostol. Most people feel well enough to resume daily activities within a day or two, though it’s normal to feel tired and down for varied amounts of time after your abortion.
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A medication abortion takes about two to six hours after you’ve taken the second pill, although it may take longer in some cases. Plan to rest during this time. It’s a good idea to have someone you trust with you so they can provide care and comfort.
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Generally, a pregnant person can have a medication abortion up to 11 weeks (77 days) after the first day of their last period. However, some conditions may cause one to be ineligible for a medication abortion, including:
- An ectopic pregnancy, in which the fertilized egg has implanted ectopically, outside the uterus. Medication abortions cannot treat ectopic pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancies are never viable, and prompt medical intervention is necessary.
- An IUD (Intrauterine device). An IUD must be removed before taking mifepristone.
- Current treatment with long-term corticosteroid therapy.
- Previous allergic reaction to mifepristone, misoprostol or related drugs.
- Other diseases of the heart, blood, lungs, kidneys, adrenal glands, or liver could affect your eligibility and should be discussed with your medical provider.
For more information, visit the FDA Q&A page.
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As of December 31, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported a total of 36 deaths associated with the abortion pill since its approval in 2000. During that time, an estimated 7.5 million people have used the medication to terminate a pregnancy. This means the risk of death is less than 0.0005%. It is also important to note that none of these deaths were confirmed to be caused by the medication alone.
Studies show that, aside from very rare complications, medication abortion does not affect a person’s overall health or fertility. Generally, a medication abortion is considered to be safer than many household medications, such as tylenol or antacids. However, like any medication or medical procedure, there are associated risks. It’s important to be fully informed and consult with your healthcare provider before making a decision.
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Medication abortions are highly effective. If you’re taking mifepristone and misoprostol, the efficacy will differ depending on the length of the pregnancy and how many doses of misoprostol you take. Extra doses of misoprostol may be prescribed starting around 9 weeks of gestation to help ensure successful termination of the pregnancy.
According to Planned Parenthood, the abortion pill is:
- 94-98% effective for pregnancies up to 8 weeks
- 94-96% effective at 8-9 weeks
- 91-93% effective at 9-10 weeks (up to 99% with an extra dose of misoprostol)
- 87% effective at 10-11 weeks (up to 98% with an extra dose of misoprostol)
In the rare case that the abortion pill does not effectively terminate your pregnancy, your healthcare provider will discuss alternative options with you, such as additional medication or an in-clinic procedure.
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It is recommended to wait at least one full month after a medication abortion before taking a urine pregnancy test. At-home tests detect a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the placenta during pregnancy. Although hCG levels decrease quickly after a medication abortion, they can still be present in the urine for up to a month after the pregnancy is terminated. Testing too soon may lead to a false positive, in which the test detects hCG in your urine, even though you are no longer pregnant.
If you wish to know sooner, you can schedule an in-clinic appointment about a week after your medication abortion, where a blood test or ultrasound can confirm the termination of your pregnancy. For most people, pregnancy symptoms diminish within a few hours of taking misoprostol, which is generally a good sign that the pregnancy has ended. If you continue to feel pregnant, it may be a good idea to schedule a follow-up appointment to confirm.
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Complications from medication abortion are rare, occurring in less than 1% of cases. However, it is possible to experience adverse events after taking the abortion pill. The following symptoms could be signs to contact a healthcare provider or visit an emergency medical center:
- Heavy bleeding, defined as soaking through over 2 thick pads per hour for 2 consecutive hours (over 4 pads in 4 hours).
- Steady bleeding, defined as a constant flow that does not lighten within 12 hours.
- No bleeding at all, which could indicate an ectopic pregnancy or unsuccessful abortion.
- Blood clots larger than a lemon.
- A fever that does not respond to medication, exceeds 100.4°F, or lasts over 24 hours.
If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms and are unsure whether to seek care, you can contact the M+A Hotline. This organization offers a free, confidential service where one can speak with a medical professional about their situation. Support is available daily between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM PST.
