What Is the Abortion Pill? | Abria Pregnancy Resources

The abortion pill, also known as medication abortion, terminates an existing pregnancy through two types of drugs. It’s a serious medical procedure, with major risks and side effects. Be informed about the abortion pill process so you can make a clear and confident pregnancy decision. You owe it to yourself to learn the facts.

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

Though the abortion pill seems like a one-step process, the abortion “pill” consists of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone is normally taken at a doctor’s office or abortion clinic and blocks your uterus from absorbing the pregnancy hormone progesterone. This causes the embryo to stop growing and implanting within your uterus. Secondly, misoprostol is taken at home, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.

Are There Risks and Side Effects?

Yes, there are many risks and side effects that come with the abortion pill. If you have a fever of 100.4 or more, you may have a serious infection and you should follow up with your doctor right away. If you experience these side effects for an extended amount of time, talk to your doctor. Confirming your pregnancy is vital before taking the abortion pill. It alerts you to any possible pregnancy complications like ectopic pregnancy (a non-viable pregnancy) or a miscarriage. These both are a threat to your health and will require different medical procedures to treat. Talk to a doctor right away if you have symptoms of either. Some of the most common side effects of the abortion pill include…

Nausea
Chills
Diarrhea
Headache
Vomiting
Fever

According to the Mayo Clinic, potential risks of the abortion pill include…

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

Verify Your Pregnancy

Prior to taking the abortion pill, you first need to learn how far along you are, where your pregnancy is located, and if your pregnancy is viable. Only women 10 weeks pregnant or earlier are eligible for the abortion pill. If you take it after this time in your pregnancy, the abortion pill could be ineffective or could cause additional risks. Schedule an appointment for no-cost, confidential pregnancy testing and an ultrasound to learn more.