What Are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is a medical procedure with side effects and risks, like all medical procedures. Learning about the risks can help you prioritize your health when considering your pregnancy options.

What is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill (also called medical abortion, chemical abortion, or at-home abortion) is a medical procedure consisting of two drugs to terminate a pregnancy. The first drug in this system is mifepristone, and it works by blocking the progesterone your body creates. Pregnancy depends on progesterone to allow the embryo to remain attached to the uterus wall. Secondly, misoprostol is taken to start uterine contractions opening the cervix. The pregnancy is then expelled out of the woman’s vagina.

What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?

Side effects are unintended but expected reactions to medications. All medications have possible side effects. The side effects that a woman can expect to experience when taking the abortion pill include the following:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Abdominal Cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Headache

It is normal to experience these side effects for a few days after taking the abortion pill.

What Are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?

Risks, also called adverse events, are less common and unpredictable complications from a medical procedure. Risks are usually more serious than side effects and may require medical attention to resolve. The risks of the abortion pill include the following:

• Incomplete abortion
• Heavy bleeding that will not stop
• Infection
• Fever
• Prolonged diarrhea and digestive pain
• Allergic reaction to the medications

Women that have chosen the abortion pill should be vigilant in monitoring themselves for signs and symptoms of complications since they will experience and recover from their abortion at home. Immediate medical attention should be sought if any of the following signs and symptoms of complications are observed:

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

Get More Information

The abortion pill is a serious medical procedure and should be considered only after obtaining all the information regarding the individual’s pregnancy, the procedure, recovery, and complications. Like surgical abortion, a woman is advised to complete a pre-abortion screening before undergoing the abortion pill system. 

Contact us to schedule a free pre-abortion screening that includes pregnancy testing, ultrasound, STD testing, and options information.