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If you didn’t plan on getting pregnant, you might be searching for information about the abortion pill. It can sound like the easiest option, but you might be wondering how effective it really is, what the risks are, and whether it’s a safe choice for you.
Below is a quick look into each of these questions and concerns many women have about abortion pill effectiveness, safety, and potential risks.
Please note: this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical concerns or emergencies.
Abortion Pill Effectiveness
The abortion pill, also referred to as a medical or chemical abortion, is 96% effective if completed under medical supervision and before 8 weeks gestation (how far along you are in your pregnancy).
However, the further along you are in your pregnancy, the less effective it is.
Approximately 2-7% of women will have an incomplete abortion after taking Mifepristone (the first abortion pill) and need a surgical procedure to complete the abortion or to stop heavy bleeding.
If the abortion pill is accidentally taken in the second trimester, 39% of women will need surgery to complete the abortion.
For these reasons, confirming how far along you are with an ultrasound is important for your health and safety.
Abortion Pill Safety
Like any pharmaceutical drug, the abortion pill comes with side effects and risks that vary from person to person. The farther along a pregnancy is, the higher the risks and lower the effectiveness. As gestational age increases, so does the risk of incomplete abortion and infection.
The abortion pill cannot treat an ectopic pregnancy. An undetected and untreated ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening and needs to be diagnosed and treated by a medical provider.
Undetected STDs can also lead to additional complications and infections.
It’s important to rule out an ectopic pregnancy with an ultrasound and be tested and treated for STDs before taking the abortion pill. At Harmony Women’s Care, we offer no-cost pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STD/STI testing and treatment, and pregnancy option counseling.
Follow our “Before an Abortion Checklist” to protect your health. The abortion pill should only be prescribed by a licensed medical provider and taken under medical supervision.
Risks and Complications After Taking the Abortion Pill
While medical abortion may appear like a private and less invasive option, research has linked it to higher complication rates.
- 1 in 5 women will experience complications after taking the abortion pill.
- Complications are 4 times more likely with a medical abortion compared to surgical abortion.
- Women using the abortion pill are over 50% more likely to result in an ER visit than those who undergo a surgical procedure.
Potential complications include:
- Incomplete abortion requiring surgical follow-up
- Heavy bleeding that requires surgery
- Blood clots in uterus
- Serious infection
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Ongoing pregnancy is the abortion fails
The most serious complications are hemorrhaging and bacterial infection.
If you are experiencing any of the above side effects, seek medical care immediately. Be honest with your provider if you have taken the abortion pill. Many abortion pill ER visits are miscoded as a miscarriage (up to 60%). Misreporting or withholding this information significantly increases the risk of misdiagnosis, repeated hospitalization, and further surgical intervention.
Talk to Someone Who Cares
Harmony Women’s Care cares about you and your safety. We understand how overwhelming pregnancy decisions can be, and you shouldn’t have to navigate them alone. If you have questions about the abortion pill, we’re here to support you with compassionate, judgment-free information.
Schedule an appointment to talk through your questions about the abortion pill and your pregnancy today.
While we do not perform or refer for abortion, we are committed to providing accurate, evidence-based information so you can make an informed and confident decision about your future.