Medication abortion —often called the abortion pill— is a safe, common, and well-studied way to end an early pregnancy with medicine instead of a procedure. Here is how it works and what to expect.
Medication abortion uses medicine —rather than a procedure— to end an early pregnancy. The standard regimen uses two medicines: mifepristone followed by misoprostol. A misoprostol-only regimen is also used in some settings.
The FDA has approved the mifepristone-and-misoprostol regimen for use through 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy. Some clinicians provide it a bit later following medical guidelines; a provider can advise based on your situation.
Mifepristone stops the pregnancy from continuing; misoprostol, taken next, causes the uterus to cramp and empty —similar to an early miscarriage. Expect cramping and bleeding over several hours. It is very effective —roughly 95–98%— and a follow-up confirms it is complete.
Medication abortion has a strong safety record. Serious complications are rare. Seek prompt medical care for very heavy bleeding (soaking two pads per hour for two hours), fever, or severe pain that does not improve.
In many places you can get medication abortion through telehealth, with the pills mailed to you. Whether that is available depends on where you are; a verified finder (see our guide on finding a provider) will show your options and current rules.
The standard regimen is mifepristone followed by misoprostol. A misoprostol-only regimen is also used in some settings.
The FDA approved the mifepristone-misoprostol regimen for use through 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy. A provider can advise on your specific situation.
It is roughly 95–98% effective, and a follow-up confirms the abortion is complete.
Seek prompt care for very heavy bleeding (soaking two pads per hour for two hours), fever, or severe pain that does not improve. Serious complications are rare.
In many places, yes — with the medication mailed to you. Availability depends on your location; a verified finder shows your options and current rules.
Local guides, business directory, and how to reach our readers.