Abortion Pill FAQs

What is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is a two-medication process used to end an early pregnancy.

It most often includes:

• Mifepristone, which blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to continue pregnancy
• Misoprostol, which causes the uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy tissue

What to Know

The abortion pill is often described as simple or private, but the experience can vary. Some people have strong physical symptoms, such as cramping, bleeding, nausea, or fatigue. Others may have emotional reactions they did not expect.

Understanding what's going on in your body and all available resources can help you make a more confident pregnancy decision. Schedule a pre-abortion screening for help.

Source:

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation

How Does a Medical Abortion Work?

A medical abortion uses two medications taken in order:

• Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for pregnancy to continue.
• Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.

This process usually takes place at home and is approved for early pregnancy, up to 10 weeks gestation.

Physical effects can include bleeding, cramping, nausea, and fatigue. Some people also report emotional effects during or after the process.

Source:

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation

Is the Abortion Pill Legal in Texas?

Abortion is currently illegal in Texas with limited exceptions. If you have questions about the legal status of abortion in Texas, our team at Agape Women's Clinic can provide you with accurate, up-to-date information during a pre-abortion screening appointment.

When Can I Take the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill, using mifepristone and misoprostol, is FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks, or 70 days, of pregnancy.

Pregnancy is dated from the first day of the last menstrual period, not the date of conception. Since conception usually happens about two weeks after a period begins, pregnancy may measure further along than expected.

After 10 Weeks

Some providers may offer the abortion pill after 10 weeks. As pregnancy progresses:

• Effectiveness decreases
• Bleeding may be heavier
• The risk of incomplete abortion increases
• Follow-up care is be more likely

Source:

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation

Does the Abortion Pill Have Risks?

Possible risks include:

• Heavy or prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Incomplete abortion that may require more treatment
• Surgery, in some cases
• Emotional or psychological distress

The FDA has also reported rare but serious adverse events, including deaths, connected with mifepristone use since its approval.

What Can Increase Risks?

Risk likelyhood can depend on:

• How far along the pregnancy is
• Personal health history
• Access to follow-up care
• How quickly complications are treated

Source:

https://www.fda.gov/media/185245/download

Why Do I Need an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion?

An ultrasound is highly recommended before an abortion, including the abortion pill, to confirm key medical details.

It can help determine:

• If the pregnancy is in the uterus
• How far along the pregnancy is
• If there are any factors that may affect care

Why It Matters

Confirming pregnancy location and gestational age can greatly reduce medical risk and confirm your pregnancy options.

Agape offers pregnancy verification services and can help with navigating your abortion decision during a pre-abortion screening appointment.

Can You Take the Abortion Pill While on Birth Control?

Yes. Hormonal birth control methods, such as the pill, patch, shot, implant, or IUD, do not interfere with how the abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) works. Being on birth control is not listed as a contraindication for using the abortion pill.

If a pregnancy occurs while using birth control, a healthcare provider may review factors such as:

• Missed doses

• Medication interactions

• Device displacement

• Typical-use effectiveness

This review can help clarify what happened and guide next steps, including when and how to restart contraception after pregnancy.

As with any medical situation, individual circumstances can vary, so medical guidance can help address timing, follow-up care, and contraceptive planning.

Source:

https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/10/medication-abortion-up-to-70-days-of-gestation

Does the Abortion Pill Affect Future Pregnancies?

Most medical sources indicate that using the abortion pill does not typically affect future fertility. Many people go on to have healthy pregnancies after a medication abortion.

In rare cases, complications can occur such as:

• Infection

• Injury to the uterus

If these complications are not identified and treated promptly, they may pose risks to future reproductive health. This is why access to appropriate follow-up care and medical support is an important part of the process.

Source:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551