The Abortion Pill

What is the abortion pill?

“Abortion pill” is the common name for using two different medicines to end a pregnancy: mifepristone and misoprostol. Misoprostol alone may also be prescribed for an abortion.

How do abortion pills work?

It depends on what was prescribed. If prescribed two medicines, mifepristone is taken first to block the hormone progesterone and start the abortion. Then a second set of pills, called misoprostol, are taken 24-48 hours later. This causes cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus. If prescribed only misoprostol, the patient takes several doses of this medication, which will cause cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus.

It’s kind of like having a really heavy, crampy period, and the process is very similar to an early miscarriage. If there isn't any bleeding within 24 hours after taking misoprostol, call your nurse or doctor.

Your doctor or nurse may give you both medicines at the health center. In some states you can do a virtual visit and have the pills mailed to you or pick them up at a local pharmacy. Some states have laws that say you must come to the health center for a separate visit before you get the abortion pills.

Your doctor or nurse will give you detailed directions about where, when, and how to take the medicines. And they’ll talk with you about medicines to manage side effects, like cramping, pain, and nausea. You should follow any instructions your doctor or nurse gave you, including about how to follow up with any questions you may have.

How effective is the abortion pill?

The abortion pill is very effective. If mifepristone and misoprostol are prescribed, it depends on how far along the pregnancy is, and how many doses of medicine the patient is prescribed:

• At 5 weeks pregnant or less, it works about 85-95% of the time.
• At 8 weeks pregnant or less, it works about 94-98% of the time.
• At 8-9 weeks pregnant, it works about 94-96% of the time.
• At 9-10 weeks pregnant, it works about 91-93% of the time. 
  • With an extra dose of misoprostol, it works about 99% of the time.
• At 10-11 weeks pregnant, it works about 87% of the time. 
  • With an extra dose of misoprostol, it works about 98% of the time.

• At 11-12 weeks pregnant, it works about 90-95% of the time when taking 2 more doses of misoprostol

• In general, taking both mifepristone and misoprostol works a bit better than when misoprostol only is prescribed. 

Taking misoprostol alone works to end the pregnancy about 85-95% of the time — depending on how far along the pregnancy is and how the medicine is prescribed.

The abortion pill usually works, but if it doesn’t, patients can take more medicine or have an in-clinic abortion.

When can I take the abortion pill?

In general, abortion medications may be prescribed up to 84 days (12 weeks) after the first day of your last period. If it’s been 84 days or more since the first day of your last period, an in-clinic abortion may be an option to end your pregnancy. Some Planned Parenthood health centers offer abortion pills before you’re pregnant — so you have them just in case you need them. Some Planned Parenthood health centers also offer period pills, which can be taken without needing to take a pregnancy test first

Why do people choose the abortion pill?

Which kind of abortion you choose all depends on your personal preference and situation. With medication abortion, some people like that you don’t need to have a procedure in a doctor’s office. You can have your medication abortion on your own schedule, at home or in another comfortable place that you choose. You get to decide who you want to be with during your abortion, or you can have it alone. Because medication abortion feels similar to a miscarriage, many people feel like it’s more “natural” and less invasive. And some people may not have an in-clinic abortion provider close by, so getting abortion pills delivered to them is more convenient.

Your doctor, nurse, or health center staff can help you decide which kind of abortion is best for you.

More questions from patients: