Understanding Abortion Pills: What to Know

October 29, 2026

You may have seen advertisements or social media posts that make the abortion pill seem simple, almost like taking Tylenol for a headache. Some abortion providers describe it as a safe, easy process that can be completed in the privacy of your own home with little more than a few pills.

The reality is much more complex.

Abortion drugs come with both physical and emotional risks. Before making a pregnancy decision, you deserve to understand how these drugs work, what you may experience, and why an ultrasound is an important step before moving forward.

At Choices, we believe you deserve all the facts, not half the story, so you can make an informed decision that’s right for you. Read on to learn more, or contact Choices today to find a safe space to ask questions and find answers. We care about your health and well-being, and we never profit from your pregnancy decision.

How Do the Abortion Drugs Actually Work?

The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, involves two abortion drugs.

The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone your body needs to support a pregnancy. Without progesterone, your uterine lining will loosen and shed, and your pregnancy will detach and end.

The second drug, misoprostol, is usually taken 24 to 48 hours later. It causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina.

The process typically takes place at home rather than in a medical facility. After taking the drugs, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. However, you might also experience:

• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Headache

Because the abortion happens at home, many women are surprised by how physically intense the experience can be. Some women have found the pain to be unexpectedly severe. Others are unprepared to see a recognizable pregnancy pass during the abortion process, particularly later in the first trimester.

Understanding what to expect is an important part of making an informed decision.

The Abortion Drugs Come with Physical and Emotional Risks

The abortion drugs carry potential risks.

Possible physical risks include:

• Heavy or prolonged bleeding
• Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the pregnancy remain in the uterus
• A potentially life-threatening infection
• An ongoing pregnancy if the drugs do not work

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as soaking through two or more full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours, severe abdominal pain that doesn’t improve, a persistent fever, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, or signs of severe illness.

The emotional experience can also vary widely.

Some women feel relief. Others experience sadness, grief, regret, anxiety, or depression. Many experience a mixture of emotions that change over time. For example, you might feel immediate relief but develop feelings of regret days, weeks, or even years later.

Research has found that women who feel pressured into having an abortion or who believe they had no real choice may be more likely to experience emotional distress afterward. That’s why it’s so important that this decision is your decision, not your partner’s, your parents’, or anyone else’s.

An Ultrasound Is Essential Before Making Any Pregnancy Decision

Before seeking abortion drugs or making any pregnancy decision, it’s important to have an ultrasound.

A home pregnancy test can tell you that you’re pregnant, but it can’t provide the medical information you need to protect your health.

An ultrasound can determine:

• Whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus
• Whether the pregnancy appears to be developing
• Approximately how far along you are

This information is critical.

For example, an ultrasound can identify an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency that cannot be treated with abortion drugs.

An ultrasound can also detect whether you’ve experienced a miscarriage, since pregnancy hormones can remain in your body for days or even weeks after a pregnancy has ended.

Finally, knowing how far along you are matters because the abortion drugs are FDA-approved for use only through 10 weeks of gestation.

No matter what you’re considering, an ultrasound provides important medical information that helps you make an informed decision about your pregnancy and protects your health.

Get the Facts Before You Decide

At Choices, we believe every woman deserves accurate information and compassionate support before making a pregnancy decision.

We offer confidential pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and a safe place to ask questions about your pregnancy and all of your options. We don’t profit from any pregnancy decision you make, which means our focus is on providing the medical information and support you need, not pressuring you toward a particular choice.

Before making a decision about the abortion drugs, schedule an appointment with Choices. We’re here for you.

Choices does not provide or refer for abortions.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.