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Abortion with Pills: Safe, Private, and Effective
A medical abortion is commonly known as an abortion with pills. Some people also refer to this method as a self-induced abortion, self-managed abortion, or do-it-yourself (DIY) abortion.
If you use abortion pills, you will experience bleeding and cramping. The symptoms are very similar to a menstrual period or miscarriage (natural abortion).
The term "abortion pills" generally refers to mifepristone and misoprostol in succession or only misoprostol.
Mife & Miso video
Miso only
MEDICATION FOR AN ABORTION
What Are the Abortion Pills?
How does mifepristone work?
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Mifepristone is a medication that blocks the flow of progesterone – a hormone that supports pregnancy. Without progesterone, a pregnancy cannot grow.
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Mifepristone also softens the cervix (lower part of the uterus), which intensifies the effect of the misoprostol.
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Mifepristone alone is not enough to cause an abortion; misoprostol is also needed.
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Mifepristone is primarily used for abortions or miscarriages, so depending on laws and restrictions in each country, it can sometimes be difficult to find.
How does misoprostol work?
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Misoprostol is a medication that causes the uterus to move (or contract), which helps to expel a pregnancy, causing cramping and bleeding.
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A medical abortion can be performed using misoprostol without mifepristone, but it is more effective to use both medications together.
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Misoprostol has other medical uses aside from abortion (inducing labor, postpartum hemorrhaging, ulcers, etc.), so it is typically more widely available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Using mifepristone and misoprostol to end a pregnancy does not affect future pregnancies or cause future birth defects. These medications are quickly eliminated from the body and have no lasting effects on fertility or reproductive health, and future pregnancies will develop normally. If you plan to become pregnant again, it’s safe to do so whenever you feel ready.
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By the safe2choose team and supporting experts at carafem, based on the 2022 Abortion Care Guideline by the WHO, the 2023 Clinical Updates in Reproductive Health by Ipas, and the 2024 Clinical Policy Guidelines for Abortion Care by NAF.
safe2choose is supported by a Medical Advisory Board formed by leading experts in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
carafem provides convenient and professional abortion care and family planning so people can control the number and spacing of their children.
Ipas is an international organization focused on expanding access to safe abortion and contraceptive care.
WHO – the World Health Organization – is a specialized United Nations agency responsible for international public health.
NAF – the National Abortion Federation – is a professional association in the USA supporting safe, evidence-based abortion care and reproductive rights.