Medical Abortion Pill

What is the Medical Abortion Pill?

A medical abortion is a non-surgical way to end a pregnancy using medication. It works by causing a miscarriage and is usually offered in the early weeks of pregnancy.

This option is about 97% effective if taken before 8 weeks (56 days), but its effectiveness drops after that point.

Compared to surgical abortion, it has a slightly higher chance of complications and failure. About 7 in 1,000 patients may need a blood transfusion as a result of complications.

A medical abortion requires three visits, including a follow-up appointment two weeks later. Most patients will need to take at least one day off work.

While the pill often has a lower upfront cost than surgical abortion, it can become more expensive if complications arise.

Medical abortion is a safe and effective alternative to surgical abortion. In fact, about half (51%) of all abortions in the U.S. last year were medical abortions.

Medical abortion is very safe—its risk of death is 14 times lower than that of childbirth, and serious complications requiring hospitalization or blood transfusion occur in less than 1% of cases.

The most common method uses two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Together, they are about 97% effective during the first 56 days (8 weeks) of pregnancy. Mifepristone is taken by mouth and works by blocking progesterone, a hormone needed for pregnancy to continue. This softens and opens the cervix and causes the uterus to contract.

Common side effects include abdominal cramping, fatigue, and vaginal bleeding. Rare but serious risks include heavy bleeding, infection, or birth defects if the pregnancy does not end. For this reason, follow-up care is important.

Mifepristone has been safely used worldwide since the 1980s and has been FDA-approved in the United States since 2000 for pregnancies up to 8 weeks.

How it works

Medical abortion involves two main drugs.

Mifepristone (RU-486)

This drug blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for pregnancy to continue.

It causes the uterine lining to break down, preventing further growth of the pregnancy.

Misoprostol (taken 24–48 hours after Mifepristone)

This drug induces uterine contractions, helping to expel the pregnancy tissue.

It causes cramping, bleeding, and symptoms similar to a heavy period or miscarriage.

Who can take it?

People up to 10-12 weeks pregnant (depends on laws & medical advice).

Those without contraindications (such as ectopic pregnancy, bleeding disorders, or severe anemia).

Must have access to medical support in case of complications.

Who Should NOT Take It

People up to 10-12 weeks pregnant (depends on laws & medical advice).

If you have an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus).

If you have a bleeding disorder or severe anemia.

If you don’t have access to emergency medical care.