If you’re considering the abortion pill, it’s normal to have questions. We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you understand your options and feel confident in your next steps. 

It’s your body, your life, your decision – but that doesn’t mean you have to navigate this by yourself. Our compassionate team is here to support you and help you explore what path is best for you.  

 

Please note: this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical concerns or emergencies. 

 

11 Commonly Asked Abortion Pill Questions. 

 

1. What is the abortion pill? 

The abortion pill, also referred to as a medical abortion, is a medication taken to end an early pregnancy. It is a combination of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. Each pill has a specific role in the abortion process and can bring about its own side effects and risks. 

  

2. How does the abortion pill work?   

In the abortion pill process, first, mifepristone is taken to block the hormone progesterone which is necessary for the pregnancy to continue and grow. Then, misoprostol is taken to cause the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. 

 

3. Are misoprostol-only abortions safe?  

Some providers use misoprostol by itself, but this method is not as effective as the recommended combination of mifepristone and misoprostol. Studies show a substantially higher fail rate of the drug working when misoprostol is used alone. 

The fetus has a survival rate of 17% during misoprostol only abortions. Since you are skipping mifepristone, the drug that ends the pregnancy, you also risk expelling a live pregnancy, which can be a really traumatic experience if you are not aware of what might happen. 

Misoprostol is also known to cause birth defects; this leaves the fetus at risk of defects if continued to birth. 

It is important to discuss safer, more effective options with a healthcare provider if they try to give you only misoprostol. 

 

4. How far along can I take the abortion pill? 

The abortion pill is approved by the FDA to be taken up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. After this point, risks and failure rates increase.  

Many women are unable to accurately estimate how far along they are by using their last menstrual period alone. 

To ensure you don’t take the abortion pill too late, the most accurate way to determine gestational age is with an ultrasound. Reach Reproductive Health offers limited OB ultrasounds at no cost so you can be sure. 

 

5. Does the abortion pill hurt?

Everyone tolerates pain differently. Many women who have taken the abortion pill say they feel underprepared for what they experienced.  

Bleeding and cramping are usually most intense when your body begins to prepare to expel the pregnancy. 

 

6. Is the abortion pill safe? 

With any pharmaceutical drug, there are side effects and risks that affect each person differently. Complications such as excessive bleeding, infection, or incomplete abortion can occur. It’s essential to have a thorough pregnancy evaluation to rule out a nonviable pregnancy and ensure gestational age.  

Reach Reproductive Health offers no cost pre-abortion screening that includes lab-quality pregnancy testing, a limited OB ultrasound, STD/STI testing and treatment, and pregnancy option education. 

If you take the abortion pill, make sure you have access to medical care during the process and know where the nearest emergency room is. You should have a follow-up appointment scheduled with your healthcare provider 1 to 2 weeks after your abortion. This is a crucial next step for your health. 

 

7. How effective is the abortion pill?  

The abortion pill is about 96% effective when taken within the recommended timeframe. The further along you are in your pregnancy, the less effective it is.  

The abortion pill has a complication rate four times higher than a surgical abortion, and as many as 1 in 5 women will suffer a complication like heavy bleeding or an incomplete abortion resulting in needing a surgical abortion. 

The abortion pill does not treat an ectopic pregnancy. Even if you have symptoms that feel like an abortion, the non-viable ectopic pregnancy can continue and cause internal bleeding, which may be life-threatening. 

Schedule an ultrasound to rule out an ectopic pregnancy and make sure your health and safety is put first. 

 

8. How long do you bleed after the abortion pill? 

Bleeding typically begins a few hours after taking misoprostol and can last for several days up to six weeks. It is often a lot heavier than a period.  

You may see large blood clots, up to the size of a lemon, and tissue when you pass the pregnancy. The further along you are in your pregnancy, the larger and more noticeable blood clots and pregnancy tissue will be.  

It’s a good idea to have someone you trust with you when having a chemical abortion. Going through an abortion can cause a lot of conflicting emotions, both good and bad. Choose someone you trust to be there to support you, so you don’t go through this alone. 

If you are soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours, you are bleeding too much and should go to the nearest emergency room right away. 

 

9. What are the side effects of the abortion pill?

Common side effects include:  

• Cramping and heaving vaginal bleeding 
• Nausea 
• Fever/Chills 
• Weakness 
• Vomiting/Diarrhea 
• Headache/Dizziness 
• Anxiety 

 

More serious side effects include: 

• Incomplete abortion 
• Heavy bleeding that requires surgery 
• Blood clots in uterus 
• Serious infection 
• Severe or persistent abdominal pain 

 

10. How much are abortion pills? 

The cost of abortion pills can vary, typically ranging from $500 to $800. This might not include clinic fees and any testing they should perform. At Reach we provide no-cost pre-abortion services, so finances is never a worry. 

 

11. Is it safe to have an abortion by yourself with pills ordered online? 

No, it is not safe to take abortion pills ordered online by yourself. Without medical supervision, there’s no guarantee of the pills’ safety, effectiveness, or authenticity. It is important to consult with a medical professional to discuss safe options under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.  

Our qualified healthcare professionals can give you crucial information about your pregnancy and options. We lead with care for you are a whole person – because your care should be about more than just this moment; it should be about your whole story.