Abortion Pill FAQs

What Is The Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is a medication regimen, typically combining mifepristone and misoprostol, used to end a pregnancy. While it’s often portrayed as a simple option, it’s important to be aware of the potential physical and emotional risks that may not always be fully disclosed. Understanding the process and its effects is essential for making an informed decision.

Citation: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information," updated 2023, detailing the regimen and approved use.

How Does A Medical Abortion Work?

hormone needed to sustain pregnancy. The second, misoprostol, is usually taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes uterine cramping and bleeding to expel the pregnancy.

For most women, bleeding and cramping begin within a few hours after taking misoprostol, though it can take up to 24 hours to start. The heaviest bleeding and cramping typically occur within the first one to two days, but lighter bleeding or spotting can continue for one to two weeks, and sometimes longer.

Medical abortion is FDA-approved for early pregnancy, up to 10 weeks of gestation. While many women are told what to expect physically, the potential for complications and emotional impact can be downplayed. Because symptoms can vary and complications may occur, it’s important to seek medical guidance and understand all available options.


Citation: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information," updated 2023, detailing the mechanism and approved use.

When Can I Take The Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill, which consists of mifepristone and misoprostol, is approved by the FDA for use up to 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy. This timeframe is often calculated using the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP). However, LMP does not measure the actual date of conception and can be inaccurate, especially for women with irregular cycles.

The only reliable way to confirm how far along a pregnancy is through an ultrasound, which measures fetal development rather than estimating based on cycle dates. An ultrasound is important because taking the abortion pill later than recommended increases the risk of complications such as incomplete abortion, prolonged bleeding, or the need for surgical intervention.

Some providers may offer the abortion pill beyond 10 weeks, but its effectiveness decreases, and risks increase as pregnancy progresses. Women may also feel pressure to act quickly without fully exploring other options. It’s important to have accurate information and medical confirmation of gestational age so all available options, including support for parenting or adoption, can be carefully considered.

Citation: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information," updated 2023, specifying the approved use up to 70 days gestation.

Is The Abortion Pill Safe?

While some sources claim the abortion pill is safe, studies and reports have documented risks such as heavy bleeding, infection, incomplete abortion requiring surgery, and emotional distress. The FDA has also reported rare but serious complications, including fatalities, linked to its use.

It’s also important to be cautious about abortion pills obtained online. Some pills sold through unregulated or overseas websites may be counterfeit, expired, incorrectly dosed, or not what they claim to be, which can increase the risk of complications and delay access to proper medical care.

Having full, accurate information and access to medical support is essential when considering any option involving your health.

Citation: FDA, "Mifepristone U.S. Post-Marketing Adverse Events Summary through 12/31/2022," noting 28 deaths and over 4,000 adverse events reported since approval.

Why Do I Need An Ultrasound Prior To An Abortion?

An ultrasound is often required before an abortion, including the abortion pill, to confirm the pregnancy’s location (ruling out an ectopic pregnancy), determine gestational age, and ensure the pregnancy is viable. Without this, using the abortion pill could miss a dangerous ectopic pregnancy, which won’t be ended by the pills and could rupture, risking severe complications or death. Skipping this step could put a woman’s health at risk. An ultrasound provides a vital opportunity to share life-saving information and support.

Citation: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), "Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation," 2020, noting ultrasound’s role in confirming intrauterine pregnancy and assessing risks.

Can You Take The Abortion Pill While On Birth Control?

Yes, technically, you can take the abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) while using hormonal birth control like the pill, patch, or IUD, as birth control doesn’t directly interfere with the abortion process.

However, if you’re pregnant despite birth control, it’s worth investigating why it failed, possibly due to missed doses, interactions, or an undetected issue. Relying on both methods might signal deeper health or informational gaps, and it's important to know your options that protect both your physical and emotional well-being.


Citation: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information," updated 2023, which does not list birth control as a contraindication for mifepristone use.

Does The Abortion Pill Affect Future Pregnancies?

Most medical sources indicate that the abortion pill typically does not affect future fertility. However, complications such as infection, retained tissue, or heavy bleeding can pose risks if they are not properly treated.

If the abortion pill does not fully work, a surgical abortion or medical intervention may be required to complete the process. Any procedure involving the uterus carries potential risks, including infection or uterine injury, which could affect future pregnancies if complications occur or are left untreated.

Access to proper medical follow-up is essential to protect long-term health and reduce the risk of future pregnancy complications. It’s important to have accurate information, medical support, and a clear understanding of all available options.

Citation: National Institutes of Health (NIH), "Medical Abortion and Future Fertility," 2017, noting rare but possible complications affecting fertility.

What Emotions are Normal After an Abortion?

Many people experience a mix of emotions after an abortion, including relief, sadness, guilt, or grief. These feelings are normal and can come in waves. It’s important to give yourself space to process them and seek support if needed.

We offer private, judgment-free support with women who understand what you’re going through. Our trained staff and volunteers are here to help you work through your emotions. All services are free and completely confidential.

If I’m Traveling to California for an Abortion, How Should I Prepare?

Both medication and procedural (surgical) abortions involve medical risks and may require follow-up care. For this reason, abortions should be managed under the guidance of a licensed medical provider. Hope Clinic does not provide abortion procedures or emergency medical care, but offers pre--abortion information, health screenings, and resources.

A pre-abortion screening can help you understand your pregnancy status, review your health history, and learn what to expect. This may include a pregnancy test, ultrasound for dating, and information about possible risks, recovery, and warning signs to watch for.

Whether you are preparing for an abortion or have already had one, Hope can be a resource for:

• Understanding your options

• Knowing what symptoms are typical vs. concerning

• Learning when to seek medical care

• Finding emotional or community support

If you are traveling from out of state and have questions or concerns, you can still contact Hope CA for information, guidance, or to schedule a screening appointment.