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The Abortion Pill

Medication abortion - also called the abortion pill - is a safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy. 

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Learn more about medication abortion.

Learn more about medication abortion.

The abortion pill is a popular name for using two different medicines to end a pregnancy: mifepristone and misoprostol. 

You usually can get a medication abortion up to 70 days (10 weeks) after the first day of your last period. If it has been 71 days or more since the first day of your last period, you can have an in-clinic abortion to end your pregnancy.

What to Expect

1. Take the First Medicine in a Health Center

Your clinician will give you the first pill, mifepristone, at the clinic. Pregnancy needs a hormone called progesterone to grow normally. Mifepristone blocks your body’s own progesterone. You’ll also get some antibiotics.

2. Take the Second Medicine at Home

Your clinician will also give you a medicine called misoprostol. You’ll use the misoprostol 24-48 hours after you take the first pill — your clinician will let you know how and when to do it. Misoprostol is a set of four pills taken together. You'll most likely want to take them at home. 

3. Take It Easy

The second medicine causes cramping and bleeding that can last several hours or more. It’s kind of like having a really heavy, crampy period, and the process is very similar to an early miscarriage. Plan on taking it easy for the day.   

Medication Abortion is Very Safe and Effective

The abortion pill is really safe and effective. It’s a super common way to have an abortion, and millions of people have used it safely.

Unless there’s a rare and serious complication that’s not treated, there’s no risk to your future pregnancies or to your overall health. Having an abortion doesn’t increase your risk for breast cancer or affect your fertility.

Your Questions, Answered! 

Read frequently asked questions about medication abortion (and answers, of course!). If you have any other questions, our health center staff will answer them for you. 

Abortion Pill FAQs