Everything You Need to Know About Medical Abortion

What is a Medical Abortion? 

A medical abortion involves taking medications to end a pregnancy. You may hear it referred to as a medication abortion, chemical abortion, or the abortion pill. It is FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks gestation (or 70 days or less since the first day of your last menstrual period).¹

How Does a Medical Abortion Work? 

A medical abortion uses two medications—mifepristone and misoprostol. Both must be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. Here’s how it works:

• Mifepristone: The first pill blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary to sustain the pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot continue, and the embryo stops growing.

• Misoprostol: The second pill is taken 24-48 hours after mifepristone. It causes contractions to expel the pregnancy tissue.

What to Know Before a Medical Abortion

If you’re considering a medical abortion, it’s crucial to receive an ultrasound first. An ultrasound provides clarity on two critical factors: pregnancy viability and gestational age. 

This information helps you understand your pregnancy options and make the best decision for your health.

Viability

A viable pregnancy indicates that the pregnancy is progressing normally and has the potential to continue to term. During an ultrasound, technicians look for signs like a fetal heartbeat. This usually appears between 5 and 6 weeks of pregnancy.²

Getting an ultrasound before an abortion helps check for nonviable pregnancies. This includes miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies, where the embryo grows outside the uterus. These conditions need alternative medical care.

Gestational Age

Gestational age refers to how far along you are in your pregnancy. Doctors measure it from the first day of your last period.

Knowing your gestational age is crucial because your state’s law may prohibit abortion after a certain point. Additionally, the abortion pill (mifepristone) is only FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks gestation, as mentioned above.

Pregnancy Decision Line can connect you with a local pregnancy center that provides free ultrasounds. Contact us to get started.

*Important note: Please be aware that this article is not meant to substitute for medical advice or treatment. The purpose of a limited ultrasound exam is to identify a pregnancy inside the uterus, detect the fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along a woman is in her pregnancy. If there is no detectable heartbeat, it may indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is occurring. If the fetal heartbeat cannot be detected during your appointment, the pregnancy center staff will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care and treatment.

Where Can I Go to Get a Medical Abortion? 

Both mifepristone and misoprostol must be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. 

After verifying the viability and location of the pregnancy, the provider will rule out contraindications to an abortion such as an ectopic pregnancy, drug allergies, blood thinning disorders, an IUD, or other medical disorders.¹

Women should never order abortion pills online from a pharmacy not approved by the FDA. The FDA has not evaluated those pills for safety and could contain the wrong type or amount of medication.¹

What are Medical Abortion Side Effects? 

After a medical abortion, you may experience side effects, ranging from mild to severe:

Common side effects³:

• Bleeding that can last up to a month
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea and digestive pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Abdominal cramping (caused by the misoprostol)
  

Severe side effects and complications (seek medical attention immediately):

• Allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock)⁴
• Hemorrhaging (excessive bleeding)⁵
• Incomplete abortion (remaining pregnancy tissue)⁶
• Infection (fever lasting more than 24 hours)³

Additionally, some women report mental health struggles after abortion, such as:^{7, 8}

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Substance abuse
• Suicidal behaviors

If you’re thinking about suicide, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away.

How Long Do You Bleed After Medical Abortion?

Bleeding after a medical abortion typically lasts for about 9 to 16 days, but could cause bleeding for up to 30 days.⁹ Women should receive follow-up care to evaluate for any complications. 

Who Shouldn’t Get a Medical Abortion? 

Here are reasons you may not be eligible for a medical abortion⁹:

• You’re more than ten weeks pregnant. 
• You have an IUD (Intrauterine Device). 
• You have an ectopic pregnancy. A pregnancy located outside of the uterus can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical care. An ultrasound can verify that the pregnancy is in the right place. 
• You have a clotting disorder or some other medical condition. Speak with a healthcare professional before an abortion. 
• Don’t have access to emergency care. In the case that you experience complications after a medical abortion, you should have access to emergency care. 

How Much Does a Medical Abortion Cost? 

As of October 2026, the national average cost of the abortion pill ranges from $150 to $1,100 without insurance.¹⁰ 

Prices vary depending on the dosage required, the provider from whom you purchase it, and whether your insurance covers the cost. These prices often do not include fees for ultrasounds, blood tests, medications, and follow-up appointments.

How Effective is Medical Abortion? 

Up to 8% of women who take the abortion pill require a further surgical procedure because the abortion was incomplete.⁹

Considering a Medical Abortion? Get the Facts at Pregnancy Decision Line. 

At Pregnancy Decision Line we want to empower you with the information you need to make a fully informed decision. We can connect you with a local pregnancy center that provides:

• Free Services: Pregnancy tests and ultrasounds.
• Compassionate Support: A safe space to ask questions and explore your options without pressure.
• Personalized Guidance: They can answer your questions and help you explore each of your pregnancy options, so that you can make an informed, empowered decision.

You don’t have to have it all figured out to reach out. Ready to take the next step? Give us a call to get started.

*Important Note: Please be aware that Pregnancy Decision Line does not provide or refer for abortion services.