Skip to Content

Abortion Pill Safety Guide

Wondering if the abortion pill is an option for your situation? Before seeking the abortion pill there are three things you need to know to protect your health and safety:

Details of Your Pregnancy
Group 15047 Eligibility for the Abortion Pill
Group 15048 Risks of the Abortion Pill

Group 15046

 

Details of Your Pregnancy

Abortion drugs are only FDA-approved through the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Taking them beyond this point puts you at greater risk of experiencing complications. An ultrasound can provide you with vital information you need before taking abortion pills, including your pregnancy’s gestational age, health, and location in the body. 

Ectopic pregnancies implant and grow outside the uterus, have no chance of survival, and must be removed as soon as possible.

Group 15047

Eligibility for the Abortion Pill

Abortion drugs aren’t an option for every woman. If you meet any of the following criteria, you aren’t eligible for the abortion pill:

Path 73238
    • Too far along in your pregnancy (over 10 weeks)

    • Have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place

    • Have a suspected ectopic pregnancy

    • Certain medical conditions, including bleeding disorders, certain heart or blood vessel diseases, severe liver, kidney, or lung disease, or have an uncontrolled seizure disorder

    • Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medications

    • Can’t make follow-up visits to your provider or emergency care

    • Have an allergy to the medication used

Path 73238

 

This list is not exhaustive, which is why it is essential to speak with a medical provider to review your health history before seeking abortion drugs.
Group 15048

Risks of the Abortion Pill

Abortion drugs come with risks, which include:

Path 73238
    • Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in the uterus

    • An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure does not work

    • Heavy & prolonged bleeding

    • Fever

    • Infection

    • Digestive System discomfort

Path 73238

 

Although these risks can be rare, you are more likely to experience complications if you take abortion pills while meeting any of the ineligible criteria listed above.

Next Steps

Before ordering abortion pills, consider seeking pregnancy support services in your area. Most communities offer resources for pregnant women and their families, including material assistance, counseling, and educational classes. These services are provided at no cost & in a private, confidential setting.

The Food and Drug Administration warns against purchasing the abortion pill online. While it is illegal in some states to send abortion drugs by mail, women will not be punished for seeking an abortion in any state.

Always backed by research:

Our information is supported by research from trusted organizations, including reputable government agencies. This does not imply their endorsement.   

 Cleveland-Clinic-abortion Mayo-Clinic-abortion ACOG-abortion