"What is the Abortion Pill?

The Abortion Pill  

Where can I get an abortion?  

If you’re looking for a medication abortion (using mifegest abortion pills), your closest Planned Parenthood health center can guide you on whether abortion pills are a viable option for you.  

You might also find other abortion providers that aren’t linked to Planned Parenthood, which could be nearer to your location or have appointments available sooner. In some states, you can even have virtual consultations and receive your abortion pills by mail. Check out the websites below for more information on abortion providers and the option of getting abortion pills sent to you, along with important legal details:  

- AbortionFinder  

- INeedAnA  

- Plan C  

In This Section  

- The Abortion Pill  

- How does the abortion pill work?  

- What can I expect after I take the abortion pill?  

- How do I use the abortion pill?  

- How do I have an abortion using only misoprostol?  

- How safe is the abortion pill?  

- How do I get the abortion pill?  

- How much does the abortion pill cost?  

- The Abortion Pill | Planned Parenthood Video  

- Planned Parenthood YouTube Channel  

- The Abortion Pill | Planned Parenthood Video  

The term “abortion pill” commonly refers to the use of two different medications to terminate a pregnancy: mifepristone and misoprostol.  

Watch in ASL  

Medication abortion — often called the abortion pill — is a safe and effective method to end an early pregnancy.  

What is the abortion pill?  

The “abortion pill” is a term used for a combination of two medications that help end a pregnancy: mifepristone and misoprostol. You can also opt to use misoprostol on its own for an abortion.  

Initially, you take a pill known as mifepristone. This medication blocks the hormone progesterone, which is essential for a pregnancy to develop normally, effectively halting its growth.  

After that, you take the second medication, misoprostol, either immediately or up to 48 hours later. This medication induces cramping and bleeding to help empty your uterus. It feels somewhat like having a very heavy, crampy period, and the experience is quite similar to an early miscarriage. If you don’t experience any bleeding within 24 hours after taking misoprostol, please consult a healthcare provider.

Your doctor or nurse will provide you with clear instructions on where, when, and how to take your medications. They'll also discuss options for managing side effects, such as cramping and nausea.

How effective is the abortion pill?

The abortion pill is quite effective. If you're using mifepristone and misoprostol, the effectiveness varies based on how far along the pregnancy is and the number of doses you take:

- 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. If you take an extra dose of misoprostol, it bumps up to about 99%.

- At 10-11 weeks pregnant, it works around 87% of the time. With an extra dose of misoprostol, it increases to about 98%.

Overall, using both mifepristone and misoprostol tends to be more effective than just taking misoprostol alone.

Taking misoprostol by itself can end the pregnancy about 85-95% of the time, depending on how far along you are and how you take the medication.

The abortion pill generally works well, but if it doesn’t, you have the option to take more medication or consider an in-clinic abortion.

When can I take the abortion pill?

Typically, you can have a medication abortion up to 77 days (11 weeks) after the first day of your last period. If it’s been 77 days or more since that date, an in-clinic abortion is available to end your pregnancy.Buy ABORTION PILL.

Why do people choose the abortion pill?

The choice of abortion method really comes down to personal preference and individual circumstances. Many people appreciate that with a medication abortion, there’s no need for a procedure in a doctor's office. You can manage your medication abortion on your own terms, whether that’s at home or in another comfortable setting. You have the freedom to choose who you want by your side during the process, or you can go through it solo. Since a medication abortion is similar to experiencing a miscarriage, many find it feels more “natural” and less invasive. Plus, some individuals may not have access to a clinic.