The abortion pill, also known as medication abortion, is often marketed as a private and convenient option for terminating a pregnancy within the first 10 weeks. However, as with any medical procedure, understanding the effectiveness of the abortion pill is crucial to making an informed decision.
If you’re considering the abortion pill, or simply curious about how well it works, it’s important to have accurate information. In this article, we’ll break down how the abortion pill works, its effectiveness, and what to do if it doesn’t work as expected.
How the Abortion Pill Works
The abortion pill works through a two-step process:
- Step 1: Taking Mifepristone – The first medication, mifepristone, binds to hormone receptors in the body. This prevents progesterone from binding and stops the pregnancy from progressing.
- Step 2: Taking Misoprostol – 24 to 48 hours later, the second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. This is the part of the process that leads to cramping, bleeding, and the expulsion of the pregnancy.
How Effective is the Abortion Pill?
Effectiveness varies based on how far along the pregnancy is, dosages of medications, and the presence of other medical conditions. In some cases, a pregnancy can continue even after both medications are taken.[1]
Signs the Abortion Pill Didn’t Work
It’s essential to know the signs that the abortion pill didn’t work. Some of the symptoms that could indicate an incomplete abortion include[2]:
- Bleeding heavier than a normal period, often with clots, is expected for about a day or two after misoprostol. Seek care for heavy bleeding that soaks two thick full-size pads per hour for two consecutive hours.
- Abdominal pain, discomfort, or feeling unwell (with or without fever) that lasts more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol can signal a serious infection.
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher that lasts more than 4 hours after taking the misoprostol.
- Little or no bleeding in the days after taking both medications may mean the pregnancy is continuing.
If you experience any of these symptoms or have concerns that the abortion pill hasn’t worked, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. You may need a follow-up appointment, ultrasound, or surgical treatment.
How Far Along is Too Far for the Abortion Pill?
Before considering the abortion pill, it’s important to know exactly how far along you are.
The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestation (70 days or less since the first day of your last menstrual period).[3]
An ultrasound is the most reliable way to determine how far along you are. Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic provides free ultrasounds to women who receive a positive pregnancy test at our center, so you can get clear answers about your pregnancy before making any decisions.
We also encourage you to explore all of your pregnancy options. Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic is here to answer your questions about abortion, adoption, and parenting, so you can make a fully informed decision. We provide the facts on abortion and free resources for those considering parenting or adoption.
You don’t have to do any of this alone. Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic is here to help, every step of the way. The details of your visit and your pregnancy decision will remain confidential.
Considering the Abortion Pill in St. Cloud and Waite Park, Minnesota? Get the Facts at Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic.
Like any medical procedure, the abortion pill is not without risks, and it’s important to be aware of the signs that it may not have worked or if complications arise.
If you’re considering the abortion pill, contact Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic. We provide free ultrasounds and a safe place to ask questions and get answers.
Give us a call at 320-253-1962 or schedule your appointment online today!
Important Notes: Please be aware that Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services.
FAQs About the Abortion Pill
1. How effective is the abortion pill?
Effectiveness varies by gestational age and other factors. It is not 100% effective, and in some cases the pregnancy can continue after both medications are taken.
2. What are the signs the abortion pill didn’t work?
Prolonged heavy bleeding, ongoing abdominal pain, fever, or continued pregnancy symptoms may indicate that the abortion was incomplete. Contact a healthcare provider right away if these occur.
3. Why is an ultrasound important before the abortion pill?
An ultrasound confirms how far along you are and that the pregnancy is inside the uterus. The abortion pill is only FDA-approved up to 10 weeks.
Additionally, this article is not meant to substitute for medical advice or treatment. The purpose of our limited ultrasound exams is to identify a pregnancy inside the uterus, detect the fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along you are. If there is no detectable heartbeat, it may indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is occurring. If we cannot detect a fetal heartbeat during your appointment, we will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care and treatment.
Sources
- Turner, J. V., Garratt, D., McLindon, L. A., Barwick, A., & Spark, M. J. (2024). Progesterone after mifepristone: A pilot prospective single-arm clinical trial for women who have changed their mind after commencing medical abortion. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 50(2), 182–189. https://doi.org/10.1111/jog.15826
- Mayo Clinic. (2024, June 28). Medical Abortion. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
- FDA. (2026, April 8). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
- FDA Drug Label. (2026, June 6). Mifepristone. U. S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/020687s020lbl.pdf
- MacNaughton, H., Nothnagle, M., & Early, J. (2021). Mifepristone and Misoprostol for Early Pregnancy Loss and Medication Abortion. American Family Physician, 103(8), 473–480.
- Cohen, R. H., Teal, S. B. (2022). Medication Abortion. The Journal of the American Medical Association. 327(24):2446–2447. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.6344