Abortion Pill FAQs

What is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is a combination of medications—most commonly mifepristone followed by misoprostol—used to end an early pregnancy. The drugs are taken in sequence and work by blocking hormones needed to continue the pregnancy and triggering contractions that empty the uterus.

Although it’s often described as a simple or private option, the experience can vary widely. Some people experience significant physical symptoms, and others report emotional effects that can be unexpected. Knowing how the process works and what the experience may involve can help set realistic expectations.

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 sequence. The first, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for pregnancy to continue. The second, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.

This process typically takes place at home and is approved for use in early pregnancy, up to 10 weeks gestation. Physical effects can range from bleeding and cramping to stronger reactions that vary from person to person. Some individuals also report emotional effects during or after the process.

Because experiences differ, understanding how the medications work and what the process may involve—including the role of medical guidance—can help set clearer expectations.

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 Illinois?

Yes. The abortion pill is legal in Illinois. Medication abortion is one method used to end an early pregnancy, and Illinois law includes protections for reproductive health care decisions, including abortion.

In plain terms, Illinois permits abortion, including the abortion pill, and has state-law protections related to abortion access.

Because laws and medical guidelines can change, it’s a good idea to confirm current Illinois requirements and eligibility with a qualified medical or legal professional before making care decisions.

When Can I Take the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill—using mifepristone and misoprostol—is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use up to 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy.

Pregnancy is typically dated from the first day of the last menstrual period, not from the date of conception. Because ovulation and conception usually occur about two weeks after a period begins, this means pregnancy dating can feel further along than many people expect.

Some providers may offer the medications beyond the FDA-approved timeframe, but effectiveness can decrease as pregnancy progresses, and the likelihood of side effects—such as heavier bleeding or incomplete abortion—may increase. Timing can also affect what type of follow-up care is recommended.

Because pregnancy dating methods and provider practices can vary, medical guidance can help clarify how far along a pregnancy is and what options are available at that point.

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 Safe?

The abortion pill is often described as safe, and many people use it without serious complications. However, like any medical treatment, it carries risks that are important to understand.

Reported complications include heavy or prolonged bleeding, infection, and incomplete abortion that may require additional medical treatment, including surgery. Some individuals also report emotional or psychological distress following the process. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), rare but serious adverse events—including deaths—have been reported in connection with mifepristone use since its approval.

Safety can depend on factors such as how far along a pregnancy is, underlying health conditions, access to follow-up care, and whether complications are promptly treated. Access to accurate information and medical care plays an important role in managing these risks.

Source:

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

Why Do I Need an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion?

An ultrasound is often used before an abortion, including a medication abortion, to confirm important medical details. This can include verifying that the pregnancy is located in the uterus (and not ectopic), estimating how far along the pregnancy is, and identifying factors that may affect care.

One key reason is to rule out an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. The abortion pill does not treat an ectopic pregnancy, and if it goes undetected, it can continue to grow and potentially rupture, leading to serious medical complications.

By confirming pregnancy location and gestational age, an ultrasound helps reduce medical risk and guides appropriate next steps and follow-up care.

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, or typical-use effectiveness. This review can help clarify what happened and guide next steps, including when and how to restart contraception after the abortion process.

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 such as infection or injury to the uterus can occur. 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.

Because health histories and outcomes can vary, medical care can help address complications early and support long-term reproductive health.

Source:

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