How does the Abortion Pill work and when can you take it?

Mifepristone, the first of two pills, blocks the hormone progesterone that your body naturally produces. This thins the lining of the uterus and stops the growth of the fetus.

The second pill, Misoprostol, is given anytime up to 48 hours after the first pill is administered. The doctor or nurse will inform you when to take it. Please note that you should never receive the abortion pill from anyone other than a licensed medical professional.

Misoprostol will cause bleeding, cramping and passing of the fetus and other tissue. A follow-up appointment is advised to ensure that both pills were effective and confirm the termination of the pregnancy.

Light bleeding, spotting, and some cramping are possible for up to 30 days following a medical abortion. If you see any of the following symptoms, we advise seeking immediate medical assistance:

• Fever lasting more than 24 hours
• Severe abdominal or back pain
• Heavy bleeding (going through two or more pads in an hour)
• Foul smelling vaginal discharge

It is important to mention that you can get pregnant almost immediately following an abortion.

4. Is the abortion pill safe? Are abortion complications common?

National statistics on abortion show that 10 percent of women undergoing induced abortion suffer from immediate complications, of which one-fifth (2 percent) were considered major.

On a psychological level, studies within the first few weeks after the abortion have found that between 40 and 60 percent of women questioned report negative reactions. And within eight weeks after their abortions, 55 percent expressed guilt, 44 percent complained of nervous disorders, 36 percent had experienced sleep disturbances, 31 percent had regrets about their decision, and 11 percent had been prescribed psychotropic medicine by their family doctor.

Are there serious side effects? What are the common side effects of the abortion pill?
Yes, there are some serious side effects to the abortion pill, so please discuss these with a medical professional before the abortion. However, here are some of the common physical and emotional side effects of the abortion pill.

Common Physical Side Effects:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Cramping (which can be severe at times)
• Heavy Bleeding (up to several weeks)
• Abdominal Pain

Emotional Side Effects:
• Regret
• Anger
• Suicidal Thoughts
• Anxiety
• Depression

Potential risks and complications of a medical abortion include:
• An incomplete or failed abortion, where the fetus is viable or remains in the womb can cause serious infections
• An undetected ectopic pregnancy, which can be dangerous and is a medical emergency
• Blood clots remaining in the uterus
• Heavy bleeding