The abortion pill goes by many names including missed period pills, at-home abortion, self-managed abortion, 10-week-after pills, medication, medical, or chemical abortion.
How does the abortion pill work?
Although it’s referred to as a pill (singular), the abortion pill actually consists of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is taken first, usually in a clinic. This medication blocks the uterus from absorbing a hormone called progesterone. It cuts the supply of progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing and cannot survive.
Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later at home. This medication causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo through the vagina, which ends the pregnancy.
Hope’s Pathway Chatham does not provide prenatal care, emergency contraceptives, or refer or perform abortions.
Note: The abortion pill goes by many names including missed period pills, at-home abortion, self-managed abortion, 10-week-after pills, medication, medical, or chemical abortion. It is not the same as emergency contraceptives. The FDA issued a warning about abortion by mail and new safety regulations. Your health and safety come first here. Contact us to learn more.
Do I have to have an ultrasound to take the abortion pill?
The abortion pill is approved by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, so an ultrasound is needed to determine how far along you are. It is also important to rule out a natural miscarriage or an *ectopic pregnancy, because the abortion pill doesn’t have an affect on ending a pregnancy outside the uterus. We can refer you for a free, confidential limited ultrasound so that you can determine how far along you are in your pregnancy. Many telehealth abortion pill providers do not provide an ultrasound before administering abortion pills.
*An ectopic pregnancy is life threatening which will need further medical assistance from your doctor.
Do I need a prescription for the abortion pill?
According to the FDA, Mifepristone must be prescribed by a healthcare provider that meets certain qualifications. Certain pharmacies are now authorized to dispense the abortion pill. However, you can’t purchase it over the counter like you would Tylenol or allergy relief medications. The FDA requires a prescription from a qualified physician in order to take the abortion pill.
Can I order the abortion pill online?
The FDA does not recommend abortion pills be purchased online since “The FDA does not have regulatory oversight of prescription medicines from outside the legitimate U.S. drug supply chain; therefore, the FDA cannot ensure the safety, effectiveness, or quality of those medications.” Many online abortion pill providers are located overseas, so the pills they provide may not meet FDA standards. These pills could be counterfeit, expired, or even tampered with. Many telehealth abortion pill providers do not provide an ultrasound before administering abortion pills.
Is the abortion pill the same as the “morning after pill” (Plan B)?
If you had unprotected sex, Plan B (an emergency contraceptive) is meant to prevent a pregnancy from occurring. The morning after pill is a type of medication that women can take within three days in an effort to prevent pregnancy. If you’re already pregnant, Plan B cannot end an existing pregnancy. The Abortion Pill is a method of ending an existing pregnancy. It has risks, so it’s important to learn the facts and confirm whether or not you are pregnant before taking this medication.
Are there any risks or side effects to the abortion pill?
With any medication or medical procedure there are always side effects and risks involved. According to the Mayo Clinic, the side effects and potential risks of taking the abortion pill include the potential for an incomplete abortion, heavy and prolonged bleeding, nausea and vomiting, fever and chills, diarrhea, and infection.
Hope’s Pathway Chatham provides evidence based medically accurate information about all of your pregnancy options, including the abortion pill. Women opting for the abortion pill often have to self-manage some or all of the procedure, which means it’s critical that you gather accurate and complete information as you consider your pregnancy options.
What if I change my mind about the abortion pill? Can the effects of the abortion pill be reversed?
It is possible for the effects of the Abortion Pill to be reversed. However, time is of the essence if you want to stop the abortion process. For immediate help please go to abortionpillreversal.com or call their hotline: 877-558-0333.
If you have only taken the first medication (mifepristone) and are having second thoughts about your decision, it may not be too late to change your mind. Some doctors have found that using a natural progesterone, off-label, can reverse the effects of the abortion pill. For many, this has resulted in successfully carrying their babies to term and the delivery of healthy infants. It is important for women to be under the care of a medical professional and not to attempt to reverse the effects of the abortion pill on their own.
After an Abortion
Regardless of how you might have felt when you decided to abort, some suffer from that decision later in life. You may have had an abortion willingly without second thoughts, or maybe you were pressured by others, feeling it was your only option.
Although not every woman who has had an abortion experiences problems afterward, many do. Many women indeed feel a sense of relief after receiving an abortion.
Many women and men alike have struggled with symptoms of post-traumatic stress. If you’re suffering, know that you are not alone. Call us today to make an appointment to talk about your feelings after an abortion – many people have found hope and healing from receiving post-abortion support.
SOURCES
- Abortion Pill Reversal (n.d.) https://abortionpillreversal.com
- American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (n.d.) AAPLOG statement of the necessity of informed consent before elective procedures on the pregnant woman. https://aaplog.org/aaplog-statement-on-the-necessity-for-informed-consent-before-elective-procedures-on-the-pregnant-woman/
- American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (n.d.) AAPLOG statement of the necessity of ultrasound before elective procedures on the pregnant woman. https://aaplog.org/aaplog-statement-on-the-necessity-for-ultrasound-before-elective-procedures-on-the-pregnant-woman/
- American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020, February). Medication Abortion. AAPLOG Practice Guideline. https://aaplog.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PG-8-Medication-Abortion.pdf
- American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020, February). The reversal of the effects of mifepristone by progesterone. AAPLOG Practice Guideline. https://aaplog.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PG-6-Reversal-of-the-Effects-of-Mifepristone-by-Progesterone.pdf
- American Pregnancy Association. (2025, February 10). Pregnancy Symptoms. https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/am-i-pregnant/pregnancy-symptoms/
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022, September 28). Ultrasound in pregnancy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9704-ultrasound-in-pregnancy
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). Ectopic pregnancy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088
- Mayo Clinic. (2024, June 28). Medical abortion. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025, January 17) Questions and answers on mifepristone for medical termination of pregnancy through ten weeks gestation. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation