What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?

If you’re in the midst of an unplanned pregnancy and researching your abortion options, you’ve likely come across a procedure called “the abortion pill.” Also known as a medical abortion, the abortion pill is a way of terminating an unwanted pregnancy using medication.

In this blog, we’ll discuss this abortion procedure and help you understand the side effects and risks you might face, as well as important steps to take before you schedule your appointment.

How does the abortion pill work?

The abortion pill process is actually made up of two drugs, Mifepristone, and Misoprostol.

In a typical abortion pill procedure, an abortion provider will administer Mifepristone, which is designed to stop the body’s natural production of the hormone called progesterone. Because progesterone is necessary for the growth and nourishment of the fetus, without it, the pregnancy will end.

Misoprostol is to be taken 1-2 days after to expel the pregnancy tissue through a process of contractions.

According to the FDA, the abortion pill should only be administered in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.

What are the side effects of the abortion pill?

You will likely experience heavy cramping and abdominal pain, as well as bleeding due to the pregnancy tissue being passed from the body in the form of large blood clots, possibly as large as a lemon.

Additional side effects include:

Diarrhea
Fever and chills
Vomiting
Nausea
Weakness
Dizziness
Headaches

While Mifepristone is often administered in a medical setting, Misoprostol is usually taken at home. This means that most women complete their abortions outside of medical supervision.

If you are looking to explore your pregnancy options within a safe medical setting, Mendo Lake Women’s Clinic is here to help! Click here to learn more and start exploring your pregnancy options in the safety of our clinic!

What are the health risks associated with the abortion pill?

In addition to the above side effects, some women experience long-term health risks following their abortion pill procedure, including…

Uterine bleeding and hemorrhaging
Infections
Sepsis
Mental health struggles1
Increased risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)2

Where can I go for free help?

If you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, know that you’re not alone! Mendo Lake Women’s Clinic provides free, confidential services so that you can fully understand your pregnancy options and the many resources available to you during this time!

Our free services include:

Lab-quality pregnancy testing
Ultrasound scans
STD testing and treatment
Options counseling with a trained staff member
Information on your abortion options
Information on abortion
Information on the resources available to you

Schedule a Free Appointment

Make an appointment today!

Broen AN, Moum T, Bødtker AS, Ekeberg O. The course of mental health after miscarriage and induced abortion: a longitudinal, fiveyear follow-up study. BMC Med. 2005;3:18.
Westergaard L, Phillipsen T, Scheibel J (1982). “Significance of cervical Chlamydia trachomatis infection in postabortal pelvic inflammatory disease.” Obstetrics and Gynecology, 68(5): 668-90; Ovigstad E, et al. (1983). “Pelvic inflammatory disease associated with Chlamydia trachomatis infection after therapeutic abortion.” Br J Vener Dis, 59: 189-92; Heisterberg L, et al. (1987). “The role of vaginal secretory immunoglobulin a, gardnerella vaginalis, anaerobes, and Chlamydia trachomatis in post abortal pelvic inflammatory disease.” Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 66(2): 99-102.