A woman has many decisions to make when considering abortion. If you’re thinking about abortion, your health care provider may talk with you about a few different abortion methods. You may be offered the option to have an in-clinic abortion procedure, or you may be offered the option to have a medication abortion by taking the abortion pill. Medication abortion is the kind of abortion discussed on this page.
Whether you’re thinking about having a medication abortion, you’re concerned about a woman who may be having one, or you’re someone who’s just curious about medication abortion, you may have many questions. Here are some of the most common questions we hear women ask about the abortion pill. We hope you find the answers helpful. And if you’re thinking of having a medication abortion, we hope they help you decide what is best for you.
If you are under 18, your state may require one or both of your parents to give permission for your abortion or be told of your decision prior to the abortion. However, in most states you can ask a judge to excuse you from these requirements. Learn more about parental consent for abortion.
What Is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill is a medicine that ends an early pregnancy. In general, it can be used up to 63 days — 9 weeks — after the first day of a woman’s last period. Women who need an abortion and are more than 9 weeks pregnant can have an in-clinic abortion.
The name for “the abortion pill” is mifepristone. It was called RU-486 when it was being developed.
How Effective Is the Abortion Pill?
You can feel confident in knowing that medication abortion with the abortion pill is very effective. It works about 97 out of every 100 times. You’ll follow up with your health care provider after your abortion so you can be sure that it worked and that you are well.
Some of the medicines used in medication abortion may cause serious birth defects if the pregnancy continues. So, in the unlikely case that it doesn’t work, you will need to have an aspiration abortion to end the pregnancy.