Abortion has always been a taboo topic. Even its supporters, those who know that it should be a right for all people, might not know much about the actual abortion process, or have some misinformed ideas about the subject.
So today, we’re going to talk about one of the most common types of abortions – abortion pills.
What are abortion pills?
Abortion pills are tablets taken by a pregnant person to end a pregnancy. Contrary to some beliefs, abortion pills are not the same as birth control or emergency contraceptives (commonly called Plan B). Birth control and emergency contraceptives can prevent pregnancy, but can’t be used to end one.
Usually, abortion pills are two different types of pills: mifepristone and misoprostol. This combination method has been approved by the FDA for use at up to 10 weeks pregnant [1]. These are the same medications that a clinic like Planned Parenthood would give you if you went in for an early term abortion.
In some situations, only misoprostol pills are used. This method is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) [2] and is usually used in areas where mifepristone is not widely available.
According to a census done in 2022, medical or medication abortions – that is, abortions done with abortion pills – account for 53% of all abortions in the U.S. [3].
Abortion pills are safe, effective, and available to order online in all 50 states – even ones in which abortion has been heavily restricted or banned.
But are they really safe?
Yes! Abortion pills are used by millions of people every year. Adverse effects are only reported in less than 0.5% of cases [4] and there are very few cases – such as pre-existing conditions – where someone would be recommended to not use abortion pills.
Many people who have used abortion pills compare it to a very rough menstrual cycle, and are back to “normal” a few days after that process is complete.
Abortion pills do not affect your fertility in the long-term, and in fact, it is recommended to use birth control and condoms immediately after using abortion pills, as you can get pregnant as quickly as a week afterwards.
Abortion pills are also very effective – that is, the majority of times someone uses abortion pills to terminate a pregnancy, they work.
A study done with more than 13,000 people found that for up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, abortion pills had an effectiveness rate of 95-99% [5], with the pills becoming statistically less effective the farther along a person was.
So then, how do they work?
Since the combination pill method is the most common, we’ll talk about that first.
A pregnant person first takes a mifepristone pill. This stops the body’s production of progesterone, which prevents the pregnancy from progressing.
The next day, multiple misoprostol pills are taken. The amount depends on how far along in the pregnancy someone is, but isn’t modified based on their age or weight.
This starts a process similar to a heavy period or natural miscarriage, with bleeding and cramping beginning within 1 to 3 hours of taking the second pills.
You might also experience nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, or a slight fever. All of this is completely normal, and should subside over time.
If mifepristone is not available, one can end a pregnancy by taking only misoprostol pills. The amount of pills you take will be higher, but result in the same outcome – cramping, bleeding, and a terminated pregnancy.
Fun fact: Mifepristone is also used to treat natural miscarriages, Cushing’s syndrome, and endometriosis. Misoprostol is used to prevent ulcers, treat natural miscarriages and induce labor (under other name is Cytotec) .
Specific instructions on how to take abortion pills and how many to take depend on the dosage of the individual pills and how far along someone is. If you don’t have instructions to go along with the abortion pills you have, go to How to Use Abortion Pill Safely and Effectively for more detailed instructions on the process, or contact IAR with any questions.
Remember, if you encounter any complications or feel that something is wrong, go to the hospital. The side effects of abortion pills – bleeding, cramping, infection – are the same as a natural miscarriage, and if taken orally (some places might instruct you to insert the pills vaginally), doctors and law enforcement will not be able to tell that you have taken the pills.
Wait, but you said some people shouldn’t be taking abortion pills!
Yep! Just like all medications and procedures, they’re not for everyone.
If you are in need of an abortion, consider if you fit one or more of these criteria:
- You have a history of or currently have an ectopic or tubal pregnancy.
- You have a long history of irregular periods (5 or more years).
- You’ve had your tubes tied (tubal ligation).
- You are taking blood thinning medication or have a blood thinning disorder.
- You currently have an IUD (yes, you can still get pregnant with an IUD, you must have it removed before taking abortion pills).
- You have a medical condition called porphyria, or problems with your adrenal glands.
- You are over 13 weeks pregnant. (In the US abortion pills are FDA approved up to 10 weeks, but in other countries they are used up to 13 weeks)
If this applies to you, you should contact a medical professional before using abortion pills, and/or visit an in-person clinic if possible.
Remember, if you are in need of an abortion, abortion pills are an affordable, safe, and effective option.
Even if you are not currently pregnant or have a chance of becoming pregnant, consider ordering them for your future self or a friend. As mentioned above, abortion pills are most effective during the early stages of pregnancy, so it’s important to be informed and prepared in advance – especially if you’re in an area where accessing care might require travel or discretion.
To learn more about where to get abortion pills, online or in-person, checkout Find Abortion Pill Access in Your State | Plan C.
If you have any questions or need assistance accessing care, contact us here. IAR can walk you through your options on our secure texting line and help answer any questions you might have about abortion, abortion pills, or other reproductive care.
We keep us safe!
Idaho Abortion Rights
Sources:
[2] WHO recommendations on self-care interventions
[3] Medication Abortion Now Accounts for More Than Half of All US Abortions | Guttmacher Institute