Medication Abortion: Facts, Myths, and Safety
By: Ashlyn
Medication abortion is a safe and effective option for ending an early pregnancy. Despite decades of research and widespread use, many myths still exist. We’re writing this to give you the facts, clear up common misconceptions, and highlight the safety of medication abortion so our patients can make informed decisions about their care.
What Is Medication Abortion?
Most commonly, medication abortion uses two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, to end a pregnancy. It is typically used in the first trimester, most commonly up to 10 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy.
- Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for the pregnancy to grow.
- Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue.
This process is like a really heavy period or a miscarriage and usually occurs in the privacy of your own home.
What are some common Myths vs. Facts?
Myth: Medication abortion is unsafe.
Fact: Medication abortion is extremely safe. Major medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the World Health Organization (WHO), recognize it as a safe and effective medical treatment. Serious complications are rare.
Myth: Medication abortion causes infertility.
Fact: There is no evidence that medication abortion affects future fertility. People can become pregnant again as soon as ovulation resumes, often within a few weeks, which is why we suggest using birth control as soon as prescribed.
Myth: Medication abortion is the same as emergency contraception.
Fact: Medication abortion is not the same as emergency contraception. Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy before it starts, while medication abortion ends an existing pregnancy.
Myth: Everyone has severe pain or bleeding.
Fact: Experiences vary. Patients have cramping and bleeding, many say it’s similar to or heavier than a period. However, pain levels differ from person to person and are usually manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication, a heating pad, and rest.
Myth: You must tell emergency providers you had an abortion.
Fact: If someone seeks emergency care, symptoms from a medication abortion look the same as a miscarriage. Patients are not required to disclose taking abortion medication unless they choose to.
How Safe Is Medication Abortion?
Medication abortion has been used by millions of people worldwide for over 20 years. Research shows:
- It is over 95% effective when used as directed
- The risk of serious complications is less than 1%
- It is safer than many common medications, including penicillin and Viagra
- It does not increase the risk of breast cancer, mental health disorders, or future pregnancy complications
A Woman’s Choice clinics are here to screen patients carefully to ensure medication abortion is appropriate for them.
What to Expect During a Medication Abortion
While every experience is different, most people can expect:
- Cramping and bleeding starting a few hours after misoprostol administration.
- Bleeding that may be heavier than a period for several hours.
- Lighter bleeding or spotting for days to weeks afterward.
- Follow-up instructions to confirm the abortion is complete.
Medication abortion is a safe, effective, and evidence-based option for early pregnancy care. If you have questions or want to know whether medication abortion is right for you, please contact us to speak with the A Woman’s Choice clinic staff. Medication abortion is available at all of our clinic locations.
This information is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice.