What Are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?

Before any major medical procedure, learning about what to expect and what to watch out for is vital. Using the abortion pill method may sound simple, but it does have specific side effects and definite risks. Every abortion involves bleeding and cramping, but how will you know when you’re bleeding heavier than normal or the pain is greater than it should be? You’ve come to the right place.

Who Should Not Use the Abortion Pill Method?

Abortion providers recommend, before taking the abortion pill, that you have access to emergency care should anything go wrong. Check the list of reasons you may not be a candidate for this method first:

• You are too far along in your pregnancy. The FDA approves this method through 10 weeks only (70 days from the first day of your last period). The farther along you are, the less likely the drugs will work.

• You have an IUD (intrauterine device) in place for your contraception.

• You have an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy means it is growing somewhere outside of your uterus. Although rare, it is a life-threatening condition. You need to see your healthcare provider, not an abortion provider.

• Have certain medical conditions. These include bleeding disorders, severe liver, kidney, or lung disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.

• Take certain medications. The Mayo Clinic has a long list of medicines that you should check before taking the abortion pill drugs.

• Have an allergy to the drugs.

• You can’t make follow-up visits to your provider or do not have access to emergency care.

Are There Major Risks?

The label for the first drug in the abortion pill method, mifepristone, says you should watch for:

• Prolonged heavy bleeding (soaking through two thick full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours)

• Serious bacterial infection

• A sustained fever of 100.4°F or higher for more than 4 hours

• Severe abdominal pain or pelvic tenderness in the days following

What Should I Do Before Taking the Abortion Pill?

As you can see from the above list, it’s essential to review your health history and current medications with your healthcare provider before using the abortion pill method. 

In addition to physical complications, studies have shown that some women are psychologically affected by abortion. You are at greater risk if you currently struggle with anxiety and depression.

Have an Ultrasound Beforehand

We recommend having an ultrasound before using these drugs. An ultrasound reveals your pregnancy’s location so you can rule out an ectopic pregnancy.

An ultrasound scan helps determine how far along you are in your pregnancy so you will know if you are past the recommended 10-week cut-off. 

You also learn if your pregnancy is viable. Did you know the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage? You could get a positive pregnancy test result days or weeks after a miscarriage.

Get a Free Pre-Abortion Screening from A New Generation

We care about your health and safety. We offer a free pre-abortion screening and abortion information consultation. Abortion is a significant medical decision with potential physical and mental health issues.