The Abortion Pill: What You Need to Know

An unexpected pregnancy often leads to questions about what comes next. One commonly discussed option is the abortion pill, sometimes referred to as a medication abortion. It involves two steps: first mifepristone, then misoprostol. Thousands of women across the U.S. turn to this method every month, even in places where abortion access is restricted (1). In states like Alabama, where abortion is essentially banned, many women end up taking these pills at home, often without ever seeing a doctor. Without medical guidance, you may be putting both your body and your mind at risk.

Your Body and Potential Risks

Bleeding, Incomplete Abortion, Infection

Bleeding is expected after misoprostol, but if you soak through more than two pads in an hour, pass large clots, or feel lightheaded, you may need emergency care. In some cases, the process is incomplete, leaving tissue behind that can lead to infection and may require surgery.

Ectopic Pregnancy

If your pregnancy is located outside the uterus, the abortion pill won’t work. This condition is serious and potentially life-threatening. An ultrasound is the only way to confirm whether your pregnancy is ectopic.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and chills are common side effects. While some sources describe the abortion pill as causing cramps similar to a strong period, many women have reported much more intense pain that lasts for hours (2). Without medical support, it can be hard to know whether what you’re experiencing is normal or a sign of danger. Research confirms that medical abortion carries real risks when attempted alone (3).

Emotional & Mental Health Effects of the Abortion Pill

Abortion is not only physical — it also affects your mental well-being.

Many women describe feelings of anxiety, sadness, fear, or regret afterward, particularly when they face the experience alone. If you already live with depression, anxiety, or past trauma, taking the abortion pill without support can worsen those struggles.

A 2023 study revealed that more than 60% of women who had abortions reported feeling pressured into the decision, and many said it harmed their mental health, disrupting daily life and intensifying grief and loss (4).

Without support, it’s easy to feel isolated, unsafe, and overwhelmed.

Why Follow-Up Care Matters

Ordering abortion pills online, through telehealth in another state, or finding them by other means often leaves women without follow-up care. In states where abortion is restricted, that lack of medical oversight makes it harder to catch complications early.

An ultrasound can provide clarity and reassurance by checking for concerns like ectopic pregnancy and confirming how far along you are.

What You Can Do

• Confirm your pregnancy. Get a free pregnancy test and ultrasound so you have the full picture.

• Talk through your options. Our team provides confidential counseling to help you look at every choice available.

• Reach out today. Call or text the ICU mobile clinic at 205-484-7660 for free, confidential support.

• If you’ve already taken the first pill and regret it, call the Abortion Pill Reversal hotline right away at 1-877-558-0333.

FAQ

Q: What happens after you take the abortion pill?

You take mifepristone first, then misoprostol. Cramping and bleeding follow as the pregnancy ends.

Q: Can the abortion pill affect future fertility?

If complications like infection or untreated heavy bleeding occur, yes, they can impact fertility.

Q: How long do side effects usually last?

Most symptoms — bleeding, cramps, nausea — last several days to a couple of weeks. If bleeding is very heavy or doesn’t stop, seek medical help.

Q: What is an ectopic pregnancy?

It’s when a pregnancy implants outside the uterus. The abortion pill cannot treat it, and untreated ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening.

Q: Why is an ultrasound important before taking the pill?

It confirms gestational age and checks for ectopic pregnancy, which the pill cannot treat.

Q: What if I regret taking the first abortion pill?

Call the Abortion Pill Reversal hotline at 1-877-558-0333 right away. Progesterone treatment may be an option, but timing is critical.

Final Thoughts

You deserve accurate information, support, and safe care before making any decision. The abortion pill carries both physical and emotional risks, especially when taken without medical supervision.

If you’d like to learn more about your options or schedule a free ultrasound, call or text the ICU mobile clinic at 205-484-7660.

If you’ve already taken the first dose and regret it, call the Abortion Pill Reversal hotline at 1-877-558-0333 immediately.

You don’t have to go through this alone.

Sources:

1: Ungar, L., & Mulvihill, G. (2024, May 14). 8,000 women a month got abortion pills despite their states’ bans or restrictions, survey finds. Associated Press. PBS NewsHour. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/8000-women-a-month-got-abortion-pills-despite-their-states-bans-or-restrictions-survey-finds

2: LiveAction. “The Truth About RU-486.” (2013, Feb 23). LiveAction. https://www.liveaction.org/news/the-truth-about-ru-486/

3: Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Medical abortion. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion

4: Reardon, D. C. (2023, May 30). Whose choice? Pressure to abort linked to worsening of subsequent mental health. Charlotte Lozier Institute. https://lozierinstitute.org/whose-choice-pressure-to-abort-linked-to-worsening-of-subsequent-mental-health/